SHOVELER AND RED-BACKED SHRIKE 93 



Haunt. — Inland fresh-water lakes and ponds. 



Nesting Period. — May. 



Site of Nest. — On the ground, but usually well hidden by herbage. 



Materials Used. — Sedge or dry grass, lined with down. 



Eggs. — Eight to Twelve. Greenish-white; about 2 by ij inches. 



Food. — Small fish, molluscs, frogs, aquatic insects, and plants. 



Voice. — Call, " took, took." Female, " quack." When flying, 

 " puck, puck." 



Chief Features. — The spatulate and lead-coloured bill is sufficient to 

 recognise this species. Many immigrant birds come to us in 

 Winter, and may then visit low-lying parts of the coast. A 

 fine swimmer, and a good flier. Shy and recluse in habits. 



Plumage. — The broad-tipped bill is lead-colour; green on head and 

 upper neck; white on lower neck and scapulars; dark brown 

 on centre of back; pale blue on shoulders; white on greater 

 wing - coverts ; dark - brown secondaries ; speculum green ; 

 blackish rump, upper and under tail-coverts, and tail-feathers; 

 rich chestnut breast and belly; dark-brown freckled flanks on 

 a paler ground ; white vent; reddish-orange legs and feet. The 

 female is brown, with light and dark mottlings. During the 

 Summer, when the moult takes place, the male, like the Wild 

 Duck, assumes the garb of the female. Length. — Twenty inches. 



SHRIKE, RED-BACKED (Lanius collurio) 



Local Names. — Butcher Bird, Cheeter, Cuckoo's Maid, Flasher, 

 Flusher, French Magpie, Jack Baker, Lesser Butcher Bird, 

 Murdering Pie, Nine Killer, Red-Back Butcher Bird, Red- 

 Backed Butcher Bird, Whiskey John. 



Haunt. — Hedgerows and bushes. 



Nesting Period. — May to July. 



Site of Nest. — Hedges and bushes. 



Materials Used. — Roots, moss, grass, lined with 

 down or wool. 



Eggs. — Four to Six. There are two common 

 varieties, one being yellowish - white, 

 marked at the larger end with light brown, 

 and the other with ash-grey. 



Food. — Mice, shrews, small birds, frogs, lizards, -pig. 35. 



and large insects. Head and Foot of Red- 



Voice.—A very silent bird. Hett gives the call Backed Shrike, 

 as " chack, chack," " churr-churr-chack." 



Chief Features. — This well-named " Butcher Bird " has the habit of 

 catching its prey and impaling same on thorns in the vicinity 

 of the nest. It seems to kill far more food than it requires. 



