LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE 145 



Larval roundworms found * * * encysted in the walls of the digestive 

 tract of Loggerhead Shrikes * * * were identified * * * as Physo- 

 cephalus scxalatus, the adult form of which occurs in tlie stomach of swine. The 

 dung beetles * * * were found to serve as the first and normal intermediate 

 hosts of the parasite in this locality [northern Fla. and southern Ga., in counties 

 above named]. Reencystment of the larvae was found to occur in a wide 

 variety of animals * * *. It is ix>inted out that beetle-consuming animals, of 

 which birds are the most important, are therefore a significant factor in limiting 

 the degree of infestation of swine with Physocephalus scxalatus in such an area. 



This is a most interesting account and revelation and should be of 

 value to those encaged in hog-raising probably in otlier parts of the 

 Southeast. The loggerhead is an abundant bird in the cattle-ranch 

 areas of Florida, notably the Lake Okeechobee and Kissimmee Prairie 

 regions, and it may be that its value in that area is equal to good done 

 in the more northern parts of the State. At any rate it is commended 

 to all who are interested in the welfare of the loggerhead and its eco- 

 nomic importance to humanity, directly and indirectly. 



Field 7narks. — The loggerhead is hardly to be confused with any 

 other species except the mockingbird. To the latter, however, it bears 

 such a resemblance that many inexperienced observers confuse the 

 two birds, though the similarity is largely superficial. Casual ac- 

 quaintance on the part of the general public has resulted in the often 

 heard local name of "French mockingbird," but even this term infers 

 that there is a variation between the two for, as some put it, the prefix 

 "French" implies a more striking appearance and the result is a fancy 

 mockingbird ! 



A. L. Pickens states (MS.) : "The Cherokee Indians appear to have 

 confused the mockingbird with the loggerhead under a common name 

 meaning "heads-it-eats" or "head-eaters," which has given rise to the 

 legend among them tliat the mockingbird attains its wonderful powers 

 of mimicry by eating the heads (singing parts) of other birds." 



The shrike, however, is a much chunkier bird than the mocker, and 

 the gray is markedly lighter in shade, much resembling that of the 

 gray kingbird {Tyrannus dominicensis) . The large head, which is 

 the reason for the name loggerhead, is ahvays very noticeable even in 

 silhouette ; while the black line through the eye, amounting almost to 

 a mask, is easy to see and contrasts sharply with this lack in the 

 mockingbird. 



The entire plumage pattern is very contrasting, the blacks, grays, 

 and whites being distinctly defined and not blending. The tail while 

 at rest appears very slim, and the heavy forepart of the bird suggests 

 a somewhat top-heavy appearance. Unlike the larger northern shrike 

 there is no barring on the breast. 



These characters, together with the habit of the bird in selecting such 

 conspicuous perches and its rapid vibratory flight, combine to render 

 it plainly distinctive after a little experience in the field. 



