WESTERN BIRDS Shrike 



renders a service in killing English Sparrows, although 

 he is not averse to other birds when he can get them, 

 but in the west where these foreign pests are not so 

 abundant, he takes Sparrows, Horned Larks, and others, 

 causing us to feel thankful that he does not nest in our 

 midst. 



Though this Northern Shrike, as well as other members 

 of the family, has a harsh, uncanny call with which 

 most people are familiar, few know that these birds also 

 have a sweet song. They are fond of singing it from the 

 top of the highest tree, in hopes, no doubt, that all may 

 know about their vocal ability and think less harshly of 

 them. 



GENUS LANIUS : CALIFORNIA 

 SHRIKE. 



California Shrike: Lanius hedovicianus gambeli. 

 FAMILY— SHRIKES. 



The California Shrike on the west coast takes the 

 place of the Loggerhead in the east. It breeds in the 

 interior valleys of southern British Columbia, Wash- 

 ington, Oregon, California, south. From Marion County, 

 California, southward the bird extends to the coast and 

 is abundant. It differs not materially from the eastern 

 species, being perhaps grayer below and having fine 

 transverse brown-gray lines on chest and sides of breast. 



It is about nine inches long and the upper parts are 

 a soft gray, relieved by black wings, tail, and bridle 

 through eye. Under parts dull white, or grayish; breast 

 narrowly barred with grayish. Young similar but with 

 under parts grayer and more barred. 



Sometimes the Mockingbirds and Shrikes are mistaken 

 for each other, although the careful observer could 



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