A VES— SHRIKE. 50:" 



The woodchat resembles the former, except in the color of the back which 

 is brown, and not red, as in the other 



THE GREAT AMERICAN SHRIKE. 



The form and countenance of this bird bespeak him full of courage and 

 energy ; and his true character does not belie his appearance, for he possesses 

 these qualities in an eminent degree. It is not yet decided whether it be the 

 same as the cinereous shrike of Linnosus ; its habits and manners appear to 

 be the same. 



This bird frequents the deepest forests  builds a large, compact nest, of 

 dry grass and moss, in the upright fork of j. small tree. In his manners he 

 has more resemblance to the pies than to birds of prey, particularly in the 

 habit of carrying off his surplus food, as if to hoard it for future exigencies; 

 with this difference, that the pies conceal theirs at random in holes and 

 crevices, where perhaps it is forgottjn ; while the shrike sticks his on thorns 

 and bushes, where it shrivels in the sun, and soon becomes useless to the 

 hoarder. One of these birds had once the temerity to pursue a snow-bird 

 into an open cage which stood in a garden ; and, before any one could arrive 

 to its assistance, had already strangled and scalped it, though he lost his 

 liberty by the exploit. In confinement, he sticks up not only insects, but 

 flesh, and the bodies of such birds as are thrown to him, on nails and sticks 

 fixed up for the purpose. 



The character of the butcher-bird is entitled to no small degree of respect. 

 His activity is visible in all his motions; his courage and intrepidity beyond 

 every other bird of his size, (the king-bird excepted,) and in affection for bis 

 young, he is surpassed by no other. He associates with them', the whole 

 family hunting in company. He attacks the largest hawk or eagle in theii 

 64 43 



