Northern Shrikes sometimes mimic the songs of other birds, including chickadees and warblers.

Their caching behavior can create “larders” containing multiple prey items hung on thorns.

Shrikes can take prey up to half their own weight.

They often practice “surplus killing,” storing multiple prey items during abundant periods to survive lean times.

Young shrikes practice impaling with inanimate objects before they ever hunt live prey.

Northern Shrikes have exceptionally sharp eyesight and can spot prey from remarkable distances.

Their name “borealis” refers to their northern breeding range and habitat in the boreal forests.