OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 233 



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October. After the breeding season is over, it is 

 again the same solitary being as characterized it 

 early in May. 



The eggs are oblong-oval, crystalline-white, and 

 marked at the larger end with dark-purplish 

 and reddish-brown spots. They measure. .78 of 

 an inch in length and .56 in breadth. 



Family Laniidae. SJirikcs. 



This family is characterized by weak passerine 

 feet, and notched, toothed and hooked bill, recalling 

 that of a bird of prey in size, configuration and 

 strength. Two hundred recorded species, referred 

 to many genera, and divided into three groups, 

 belong to this family. The following group only 

 occurs in America. 



Subfamily Laniinae. True Shrikes. 



The genus Collurio the only one in America, is 

 characterized by having ten primaries in the wing, 

 and twelve rectrices in the tail, both being quite 

 rounded and nearly equal in length ; rictus pro- 

 vided with stout bristles, and circular nostrils more 

 or less hidden by thick tufts of antrorse bristly 

 feathers. The tarsi differ from the usual oscine. 

 character, by being scutellated in front and on the 

 exterior. In color our species are quite similar, 

 and curiously resemble the mocking-bird. 



They are bold and spirited birds, quarrelling 

 among themselves, and tyrannical towards weaker 

 species. They are carnivorous, and subsist upon 



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