This Northern Shrike was observed pouncing on and eventually killing and eating this European Starling at Elma on Jan 1st 2009.
In self-defence, the starling attempted to jab the shrike in the face but was finally overpowered. It appeared as though the shrike concentrated its bill attack on the back and side of the starling's neck and held the starling down with its feet. A flock of Blue Jays approached during the commotion and were calling loudly; however they never bothered the shrike and never got too close. Once the starling died, the Blue Jays left the scene and the shrike began to eat its meal. It seemed almost as though they were waiting to see if the starling would injure the shrike so they might take advantage of the situation. The shrike tried but was unable to fly off with the dead starling and so began eating it on the spot. I would be interested in hearing people's opinion on the age of this shrike since it has fairly strong barring on the breast but a very adult-like underwing with extensive white.