Shrikes

Shrikes are passerines that evolved to become diurnal birds of prey, and their appearance and behavior converge on small raptors in many respects: their plumages of black, gray, white, and often earth tones; their large-shouldered, short-necked, large-headed appearance; and, except for a few cooperatively breeding species, their limited vocalization. With the strong feet and sharp, strong bill of a predator, shrikes take prey ranging from birds and amphibians to large insects, often storing them for later consumption on the spines of shrubs or barbed wire. At least one species, Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor, has been reported imitating the calls of smaller birds to lure them in as prey.