Hi,
I see the overall bill size and body color to be pretty firmly in the
Loggerhead camp. Also, some have
noted the behavior to be more Loggerhead (see Shai's original email).
Again, I'm only going on photos.
The traits I see as more Northern are the barring on breast (Juvy
Loggerheads can show barring, but this
is obviously not a juvy; there are weird birds though), lack of noticeable
barring on back (debatable
since some think it might show a hint of barring on back), and color of
mandible (again, variable, see
Kevin's M. post). Interesting bird indeed.
Again, no real possibilities for hybridization since breeding ranges don't
overlap. Of course there are
anomalies.
cheers,
Matt
Original Message:
-----------------
From: Andrew Block ablock22...@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2010 09:18:13 -0800 (PST)
To: NYSbirds-L@cornell.edu
Subject: [nysbirds-l] Shrike id.
I'm one of the many who tend to lean towards a small Northern. Many birds
and
mammals have smaller than normal individuals in the population. I agree
the
bird has a few characteristics of Loggerhead but to me most of the
identifying points such as bill hook size & color, behavior, body color,
etc.
leans towards Northern. I'm very familiar with both and have seen a few
Northerns that look very similar to this bird in Maine. Unless it's a
hybrid
between the two I'd definitely lean towards Northern.
Andrew
Andrew v. F. Block
Consulting Naturalist/Wildlife Biologist
37 Tanglewylde Avenue
Bronxville, Westchester Co., New York 10708-3131
Phone: 914-337-1229; Fax: 914-771-8036
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