1 6 The Masked Shrike. 



In coutradictiou to the statement of Mr. C. A. Wright respecting the shyness 

 of the Wotxicliat, excepting when defending its young, Lord Lilford's observations 

 are interesting; for he states that the " Woodchat is a very familiar and fearless 

 bird, and seems often to prefer the vicinity of human habitations for its nest. In 

 all its habits this Shrike seems to me to approach closely to the Fly-catchers." 

 Seebohm als j saj'S of L. poiiui-iVtiis (which, however, in common with most Ornith- 

 ologists, he calls L. nt/us) " It is not a wary bird, and, with due precaution, may 

 be quite closely approached." It is, therefore, probable that this species would not 

 be difficult to tame, if kindly treated. 



Family— L ANIID. 'E. 



The Maskkd Shrikp:. 



Laniiis, iin/inna, LrciiT. 



MALE specimen of this bird was shot at Woodchurch, Kent, on July iith, 

 1905. Its native country is south-eastern Europe and Asia Minor: it 

 winters in north-east Africa and Senegambia. 



A 



