Isabelline Shrike (female)

A very pretty if rather plain, in comparison with the male of the species, who sports a black eye mask and richer plumage colours. This Shrike is surveying her patch from the top of a dead bush, looking out for prey (lizards, rodents, insects and small snakes)which she can rip apart with that powerful viscious, hooked beak. Look also at her huge talon like claws and you see she's a lovely, but a deadly killer to small critters!