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Five shrikes perched on a bush
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Five shrikes perched on a bush
Five shrikes perched on a bush -- lanius rufus (1, 2 & 3) and lanius collurio (4 & 5). The shrike is also known as a butcher bird, because it skewers the insects, small birds and mammals it has caught on sharp thorns
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Media ID 572301
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10005571
1850s 1853 Beak Bush Butcher Butter Fly Caught Hooked Lanius M Ammals Perch Perched Predator Predatory Prey Rufus Sharp Shrike Thorn Thorns Collurio Impale Shrikes Skewer
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Five Shrikes Perched on a Bush: A Predatory Gathering (1853) This evocative photograph captures the essence of the shrike's predatory nature, with five individuals of two different species - Lanius rufus (Red-backed Shrike, birds 1, 2, and 3) and Lanius collurio (Long-tailed Shrike, birds 4 and 5) - perched on a bush, their sharp beaks poised and ready. Known as 'butcher birds,' shrikes are notorious for impaling their insect, small bird, and mammal prey on sharp thorns as a means of preserving them for later consumption. The image, taken in the 1850s, offers a glimpse into the rich history of these fascinating predators. The shrike's hooked beak, well-suited for impaling prey, is clearly visible, as is the predatory intent in their eyes. The birds' vibrant colors and intricate patterns add to the allure of this scene. The Red-backed Shrike, with its rufous (reddish) back and black mask, is shown in the foreground, while the Long-tailed Shrike, with its distinctive long tail and collared appearance, is perched towards the back. This gathering of shrikes on a single bush is a testament to their social nature and their shared hunting prowess. As you gaze at this historical photograph, you can almost hear the soft rustling of the bush and the distant calls of these enigmatic birds. The shrikes' role as both predators and preservationists, impaling their prey on thorns to keep it fresh, adds an intriguing layer to their allure. This photograph, taken over a century and a half ago, continues to captivate and inspire, offering a window into the natural world and the intriguing behaviors of these remarkable birds.
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