TRIBE II.— DENTIROSTRES. 



This term distinguishes those birds whose beak is sloped on the sides of the point, and b}- a 

 notch or slight tooth on each side of the ujjjDer mandible of the bill. In some genera the 

 tootli is so trifling as to be scarcely pcrcciDtible, while in others, it is tolerably strong and 

 well-defined ; and whenever it is so, the bird will be found approximating to tlic fierce- 

 ness of spirit which cliaracterises the birds of prey. In this family are found the 

 greatest niunber of insectivorous birds. Still, they almost all eat also berries and tender 

 fruits. Among them we find the singing birds, and the most complicated conformations 

 of the lower larynx. The proportional length of their wings, and the extent of their 

 fliglit, are as variable as their mode of life. 



THE SHRIKES. 



Of the Laniadw, or the shrikes constituting the First Family, there is an immense 

 variety. They are spread over the entire globe, and everywhere exhibit similar disposi- 

 tions, habits, and modes of existence. Of small size, but provided with a strong and 

 crooked beak, of a fierce and courageous disposition, and of a sanguinary apjietite, they 

 bear much affinity to the birds of prey. Naturally intrepid, they defend themselves 

 vigorously, and do not liesitate to attack birds much stronger and larger than them- 

 selves. The European shrikes can combat with advantage pies, crows, and even 

 kcstrils. They attack and pursue these birds with great ferocity, if they dare to 

 approach their nests. It is even sufficient if any of them should pass witliin reach. 

 The male and female shrikes unite, fly forth, attack them mth loud cries, and pursue 

 them with such fmy, that they often take to flight without daring to return. Even 

 kites, buzzards, and ravens, will not willingly attack the shrike. They are habitually 

 insectivorous, and also pursue small birds. They will cast themselves on thrushes and 

 other birds, when these are taken in a snare. AVlien they have seized a bird, they open 

 tlie cranium, devour the brain, deplume the bodj', and tear it piecemeal. 



Another quality attributed to these birds is prudence to foresee and jiroside for the 

 wants of the future. That they may not fail of the insects whi<.'h forin their subsistence, 

 and which only appear at a particular ejjoch, some shrikes form magazines, not in tlie 

 earth, nor the hollows of trees, but in the open air. They stick (heir abundant prey on 

 thorns, where they may find it again in the hour of need. 



Falconers have taken advantage of the character of those birds, and occasionally 

 trained tliem for the chase. Francis I. of France, it is said, was accustomed lo hunt 

 with a tame shrilce, which used to speak, and return upon the hand. The Swedish 

 liunters, availing themselves of the habit of the gray shrike of uttering a peculiar sort of 

 cry at the approach of a liawk, make use of it to discover birds of pi'ey wliicli tliis kind 

 of cry announces. 



THE CJUEAT SIiniKK, OR HUTCHKJf lUUn.* 



The great shrike is spread over all Europe. It remains in woods and wilds during 

 the summer, but on the coming of winter will approach tlu* dwellings of man. It 

 constructs its nest among the branches of lofty frees in solitary forests, and sometimes in 

 tliick and thorny hedges. This is composed of liay \vi(li(in(, of sni;ill fibrous roots and 



* LaiiiuH Excubitor. 



