Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about a bird with a unique habit, the “Shrike.” Shrikes, belonging to the Laniidae family in the Passeriformes order, are small birds but have some really interesting characteristics contrary to their appearance.
Despite their small size of about 20cm, shrikes are carnivorous, primarily feeding on insects. They also prey on amphibians and small mammals. They have sharp, hook-shaped beaks, similar to hawks, to make it easier to capture prey. What’s astonishing is their habit known as “impaling.” This is the behavior of skewering their prey on things like tree branches. Although it may seem cruel at first glance, there’s actually a deep reason behind it!
Impaling is often used by shrikes to demonstrate their hunting skills and as a means of storing food for winter. Recent research also indicates that impaling plays a role in the success of their breeding. More impaling means more food for shrikes during the scarce winter months, allowing them to eat well and stay nourished. This, in turn, enables them to continue singing, improving their skills and leading to successful breeding!
In Japan, particularly four types of shrikes are observed: Bull-headed shrike, Brown shrike, Thick-billed shrike, and Great Grey Shrike. These species vary with the seasons, with Brown shrikes and Thick-billed shrikes appearing in summer, while the Great Grey Shrike visits in winter.
The ecology of these small hunters, the shrikes, is indeed fascinating. Next time you have a chance to observe birds, be sure to look out for shrikes. You will surely be surprised by their unique behavior!
