Butcherbird!

With sharp, keen eyes

and direct, swift flight,

you're a fearsome predator

who's prey cowers from your might.

Watching from your perch

on wire or branch

the weight of your gaze

causes your prey to blanch.

That prey is birds,

mammals, and reptiles, too -

often damn near

the same weight as you.

When the weight's

too much to fly . . .

that's when a gleam strikes

your black masked eye.

Large talons you lack,

and broad gliding wings, too.

While diminutive in stature

your technique's tried and true.

You dismember your prey

with a tear and a rip,

carrying off pieces

and eating just a bit.

Impaled upon thorns

or barbed piece of wire

saving choice morsels

to consume when you desire.

Some call you "shrike",

but that's just a word.

Your name's to be feared . . .

Butcherbird!