There's birds native to australia that have the same horrific habit and theyre equally adorable. They also have one of my favourite birdsongs
Butcherbirds are insect eaters for the most part, but will also feed on small lizards and other vertebrates. They get their name from their habit of impaling captured prey on a thorn, tree fork, or crevice. This "larder" is used to support the victim while it is being eaten, to store prey for later consumption, or to attract mates.
Hearing this made me sad that I don't get to hear most of the north American song birds. IIRC they were either shot or out competed by European species like starlings or sparrows. 😟
The robins, song sparrow, and chickadee are alive and well in my part of the PNW. Mostly the noise of modern life drowns them out, so you have to know when and where to find them. Song sparrow are super cute and have a great song. I have a couple pairs that live near me. One in my front yard and one in the back. They call back and forth most of the day. It's wonderful