It might look like a lightweight, but the shrike is a stone-cold killer. The thorns of the acacia tree are perfect for impaling prey, and they double as a pantry. Lizard on the barbie, anyone?
The shrike.
He may look like a sweet little songbird, but this ruthless predator impales more victims than a vampire slayer.
The shrike feeds on small reptiles, birds, and insects.
And when he wants to dig into a good meal, he skewers his prey on the thorns of the acacia tree.
Now he can rip into some fresh meat.
This spiky branch isn't just a slaughterhouse. It's also a pantry.
Often the shrike will spear prey and store them there until decay starts to break down their bodies.
He may also garnish them with feathers in an attempt to attract a mate.
Lizard on the barbie, anyone?