A predatory passerine bird native to North America, characterized by its distinctive hunting behavior and shrike family characteristics.
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ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Open grasslands, prairies, sparse woodlands, agricultural areas, and desert scrublands across western and central North America
Ecological Role
Apex predator in small ecosystem niches, controlling populations of insects, small mammals, and reptiles; indicator species for grassland ecosystem health
Morphology
SKIN COATGray-black plumage with white underparts, black mask across eyes, distinctive predatory appearance
LIMBS WINGSStrong legs with sharp talons, rounded wings enabling agile flight and quick directional changes
HEAD SENSORYLarge head relative to body, sharp hooked beak for predation, keen binocular vision
BODY STRUCTURECompact songbird with robust build, approximately 20-25 cm in length, weighing 50-60 g
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Jonathan Eisen
