The [Northern] Great grey shrike nests mainly in the northern part of Scandinavia and Russia. In winter, it appears further south, now and then in my hometown Uppsala. Some birds are resident birds, others migrate. This individual perches in a classic hunting position and looks for insects and small mammals. Its Latin name "lanius" means 'butcher' and refers to the bird's habit of hoarding food by transfixing larger insects and smaller mammals, such as mice, on thorns. The air-dried animals can then be eaten when supply is scarce, for example during spring and fall.