Great Gray Shrike

The Great Gray Shrike is a magnificent relative of crows and the innocent looking vireos. But this songbird is a wannabe raptor, and due to its inferiority complex, Shrikes come with their hang-ups. Literally. Great Grays lure in songbirds by mimicking their calls, hammering them to death once they are within reach. Lacking talons, the Shrike drags its prey to the nearest barbed wire or thorn bush, impaling it forcefully on the object. The prey is then torn apart and consumed. During the breeding season, males impale multiple songbirds along the perimeter of their territory to ward off rivals and impress hens.