Ontbirders,
There have been two recent reports of possible Loggerhead Shrikes to
Ontbirds. It is not imposible to see one this early. However, I'd like to
caution observers that at this time of year adult Northerns mimic
Loggerheads in both appearance and behaviour, especially in March and
April. Please consider the following information, which is not in most
field guides.
1. The bill colour of adult Northerns often becomes entirely black by
mid-March. So both species can have all black bills.
2. By late winter adult Northerns lose much of the barring on their
underparts by wear so they appear clear breasted like Loggerheads.
3. Northerns in spring behave more like Loggerheads by perching lower to
hunt emerging worms, insects and frogs.
4. Northerns have a contrasting white rump, which is noticeable in flight
and sometimes on perched birds. Most Ontario Loggerheads have grey rumps,
showing little contrast with the back. This is a great mark when checking
for possible Loggerheads.
For more information and illustrations of both species showing this
identification pitfall, please see the February 1999 issue of OFO News
17(1):6-7 or see the OFO website http://www.ofo.ca/shrike.htm
Last year in Ontario, there were only 25 breeding pairs of Loggerhead Shrikes.
Happy shrike watching,
Ron Pittaway
Minden and Toronto
Jean Iron <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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