Lanius ludovicianus mearnsi

San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike

FWS Focus

Overview

Characteristics
Overview

The current wild population of San Clemente loggerhead shrike reproduces naturally. However, due to the extremely low population and high levels of predation, it is supplemented with additional young birds, adult pairs and pairs with offspring, which have been released from the captive breeding program coordinated by the U.S. Navy, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Institute for Wildlife Studies.

Scientific Name

Lanius ludovicianus mearnsi
Common Name
San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike
FWS Category
Birds
Kingdom

Location in Taxonomic Tree

Identification Numbers

TSN:

Characteristics

Characteristic category

Physical Characteristics

Characteristics
Size & Shape

It weighs between 1.5 to 1.75 ounces, and has short rounded wings, which are slightly shorter than its tail. It has prominently hooded mandibles and a maxillary, commonly referred to as a tooth, on its bill.

Color & Pattern

Its plumage is white, gray, black and brown. Coloration includes a black mask, which covers the lores and ocular region of the head; a demarcation between the black flight feathers; white underparts and rump; gray back and patches of white on the wings and tail.

Characteristic category

Habitat

Characteristics
Habitat

It is found throughout xeric habitat on the island, including woodlands and maritime desert scrub.

Coastal

The land near a shore.

Characteristic category

Food

Characteristics
Food

It consumes arthropods, lizards, mice and small birds, like wrens and warblers.

Characteristic category

Life Cycle

Characteristics
Reproduction

The species reaches maturity after one year and lays clutches of four to six eggs, which are incubated 15 to 18 days. Young fledge approximately 2.5 to 3 weeks post-hatch, and adults feed fledglings for another three to four weeks.

Geography

Characteristics
Range

It is found only on San Clemente Island, California.

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