46 JUNGLE FOLK 



shrikes and the raptores. The earher naturahsts were 

 misled by this outward Hkeness, and, in consequence, 

 classed the swifts with the swallows and the shrikes 

 with the falcons. 



Many are the points of resemblance between the 

 greater and the lesser bandits of the air. The ferocity 

 of their mien is apparent to the most casual observer. 

 Michelet speaks of the eagle as having a *' repulsively 

 ferocious figure, armed with invincible talons, and a 

 beak tipped with iron, which would kill at the first 

 blow." Even more sinister is the aspect of the shrike. 

 The broad black streak that runs from the bill to the 

 nape of the neck serves to accentuate the fierce ex- 

 pression of the eye. The American naturahst Bur- 

 roughs speaks of the shrike as a ** bird with the mark of 

 Cain upon him. . . . the assassin of the small birds, 

 whom he often destroys in pure wantonness, or to sup 

 upon their brains." 



Much has been written about the cruelty of birds of 

 prey. Their calHng is indeed a barbarous one ; they 

 undoubtedly inflict much pain ; but these are not 

 reasons why they should be spoken of as villains of 

 the deepest dye, as criminals worthy of the noose. 

 The bird of prey kills his quarry because it is his 

 nature to do so. He regards his victims as so many 

 elusive loaves of bread, made for his consumption, 

 to be obtained for the catching. The fly-catcher holds 

 similar views regarding his quarry. We should bear 

 in mind that the average insectivorous bird kills in 

 the course of his life a vastly greater number of living 

 things than does the eagle. The robin, for example. 



