While technically songbirds, Shrikes are some of the most vicious predators in the bird world. Learn how they earned the nickname “Butcher Birds” through one of their morbid behaviors…this episode may not be for the faint of heart! Also, we explore the life history, evolution, feeding, and breeding of the Loggerhead Shrike. Did you know Loggerhead Shrikes have some pretty unusual breeding practices? If you’ve never seen this bird, it may be because its undergoing massive population declines throughout its North American range. But what’s killing Loggerhead Shrikes and what can we do to save them? This episode covers everything there is to know about the Loggerhead Shrike, listen and become an (unofficial) shrike expert! 

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Cover Art Photo by Allen Schmierer, Public Domain 

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Link for Dirty Bird Shrike T-Shirts!: https://www.rinoski.studio/shop

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Theme Song by Ricky Pistone and Outro music by the Sidewalk Slammers 

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All Bird Sounds from Xeno-Canto.org

Opening Song of Loggerhead Shrike by Ed Pandolfino 

“Shriek” Call by Russ Wigh 

Robin with Cleft Tongue Shrike Call by Isain Contreras Rodriguez 

“Blue Sky through Angry Clouds” Song by Lance A.M. Benner 

Rusty Door Hinge Call by Jacob Saucier 

Clip of Gollum from “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” film 2002