Apparent Cooperative Hunting in Loggerhead Shrikes

Abstract

We observed apparent cooperative hunting by a pair of Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus) in eastern Oregon, USA. A western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) was killed by the shrikes and then transported by one to an unknown location. The snake was carried in the direction of an active nest that was 90 m from the location where the snake was killed. This is the first time that apparent cooperative hunting has been documented in the genus Lanius.