The loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus ) is widespread in North America, where it
generally occurs in open habitats with abundant insect prey and perches for hunting. Examples of
suitable habitat are grasslands, sagebrush, and a variety of shrub-steppe habitats. However, it has
demonstrated a substantial contraction in distribution and declines in abundance throughout North
America. The reasons for these declines are not fully known, although reduction in quality and
quantity of native grassland and shrub-steppe communities is a major contributing factor,
particularly on wintering grounds in the southern United States and Mexico. Other threats include
livestock grazing (decreased prey availability and altered habitat structure), pesticide use
(decreased prey availability and direct mortality) and invasive species (feral predators, non-native
plants). Management in Wyoming should focus on habitat preservation and restoration, with an
active monitoring effort and research to uncover the reason behind apparent population declines.
