The Loggerhead Shrike
The Loggerhead Shrike
The Loggerhead Shrike breeds only in Northern-Central Canada, incuding Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Southern Quebec.
This bird is also a visitor to Southern United States in the winter. This species has been declining the most since the turn of the century. The most problems have occured in the past 25 years.
The Loggerhead Shrike inhabits open areas. They are mostly found in the open country, such as the Savannah, the desert and even woodland areas.
These birds seem to prefer the same territory year after year. In Canada it is rare to find second broods because of the short breeding season. Clutches contain four to six eggs a year.
This bird is a predator and is thus at the top of the food chain, which means it accumulates chemicals in its tissues. The major decline of these shrikes coincides with the use of organochlorines.
Urbanization and the removal of pure country in Eastern Canada is probably the most important factor of decline in this species.
Road-kills is a major issue, especially for the younger birds because they often nest close to roads. The young are susceptible to rainfall and cold temperatures.
As mentioned before, these birds are highly endangered not only by humans but because of their own living habitats. They have been losing their homes because they live in a very dangerous ecosystem. Most humans can't be blamed for the killing of the Loggerhead Shrike because of the dangerous risks they take by inhabiting what is called "The Human Space."
By: Jessica Rodericks & Vanessa Smith
Corrected By Maureen Scherman
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