shrikes

[demarest]

Ok, i know that this bird is not a raptor, but the forum is for bird species, not just raptors. As many of you know, these tiercel kestrel-size birds behave more like raptors, regularly impailling their prey to store it for later on barbed wire and thorns(gruesome little blighters, eh?). My cousin was back on leave and was remarking on how he thought they were the coolest little birds around. he wants to fly one.
is this possible? i will never fly one unless i become very very bored as an old man, be assured. they hunt much of the same "quarry" as the kestrel, though they hunt small bird less often and mainly mice. i was thinking that since the main if not only reason a hunting raptor comes to you is for food, or at least a 50/50 chance of such,wouldn't a shrike? obviously they won't ever be seriously used in falconry as the kestrel is better on their quarries and more available. just curious
-desmaret

[frootdog]

It's not legal as this bird is not a raptor and therefore can not be used in falconry, furthermore as all raptors are this bird is protected by the MBT.

[BlueTiercel]

The Northern shrike? I believe they are smaller still than a kestrel(forget the loggerhead!), my sibley guide gives an average weight of the northern shrike as 65 grams. the same guide lists average weight of kestrel at 117 grams, so about half the size of a kestrel. Neat little bird that i look forward to seeing come winter.