1^'itish Species of Shrikes. S41 



injured by the fishermen in their attempts to kill the animal, 

 that its form cannot be correctly ascertained ; but it appears 

 to have been lunated, with its horns turned towards the nose. 

 The skin is a fine glossy black ; but the under jaw, the belly, 

 a singular oval spot behind each eye, and a large mark on 

 each side are of a pure white : the saddle-like mark on each 

 side the back is of a silvery grey. Tlie dorsal line is promi- 

 nent, sharp, and of a jet black. Its weight is computed at 

 about 3^ tons ; and it was purchased of the :fishermen for 231, ,: 

 it is not, however, expected to yield a sufficiency of oil to 

 repay the purchaser ; but, as he realised something by exhi- 

 biting the animal, and afterwards sold its head for 7l. to a 

 gentleman in the neighbourhood, he is not likely to be a loser 

 by his bargain. 



I am, yours truly, 

 Lj/7m Regis, December. I, 1830. O. M. 



Art. IX. Observations on the British Species of Shrikes^ their 

 Habits, Nidification, 8^c, By J. D.-Hoy, Esq. 



Sir, 



I HAVE a few remarks to offer you on the birds of this 

 genus inhabiting or occasionally visiting our island, which 

 may perhaps be not altogether uninteresting to some of your 

 readers. 



The Great Ash-coloured Shrike has never, I believe, been 

 known to breed in this country, but it is not unfrequently 

 met with during the autumn and winter, more particularly in 

 the eastern counties : seldom a season passes without my 

 observing the bird in this neighbourhood. A friend of mine 

 assures me he has seen it in Essex, near Colchester, in the 

 month of June ; that he had a good view of the bird, and could 

 not be mistaken : but I consider it merely an accidental occur- 

 rence. I have occasionally seen the shrike suddenly stop in 

 its flight, and balance itself on wing, in the manner of the 

 kestrel, probably looking for mice, of which it is very fond. 

 I have often found the remains of mice, and sometimes small 

 birds, fastened on whitethorn bushes, near its haunts. It is 

 common in many parts of Europe ; breeds most frequently in 

 the heathy and wooded districts, often building its nest on fir 

 trees, which are in many parts thinly scattered over the heathy 

 lands, sometimes in the fork of an oak or other tree, at a 

 considerable height from the ground ; it never builds in low 

 bushes or hedges ; the nest is large, formed on the outside 



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