In the southern half of North America this species is the counterpart of the Northern Shrike of the boreal regions of Alaska and Canada. In behavior and choice of habitat the two species are essentially similar, although the Loggerhead feeds mainly on large insects such as locusts. In cold weather, when insects are hard to find, it will hunt small birds or mice. The Loggerhead impales its prey - usually a small bird, mouse, or insect - on a thorn or barbed-wire fence which facilitates tearing it apart then or at a later time; hence its vernacular name "Butcher Bird."

description 8-10" (20-25 cm). Slightly smaller than Northern Shrike, and slightly darker gray above, white below, with black face mask extending over bill.

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