The Northern Shrike is a medium-sized bird known for its predatory behavior. It has a distinctive gray plumage, a black mask across its eyes, and a stout, hooked bill. This bird is often found in open habitats, such as fields and edges of forests, primarily in North America during the breeding season. Northern Shrikes are unique among songbirds because they hunt small animals, including insects and rodents. They are known for their habit of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire, creating a larder for later consumption. This behavior has earned them the nickname "butcher bird."