48 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 
plumage are not so pure, and the dull white of the 
breast is marked with numerous greyish semilunar 
lines. Young males resemble females. 
This species is not known to breed in England; 
but the eggs are said to resemble those of the 
Redbacked Shrike, next to be described, except that 
they are considerably larger. 
REDBACKED SHRIKE, Lanius collurio. The Red- 
backed Shrike is much more common with us than 
the last species, being a regular (though rather late) 
summer visitor, not arriving in this country till the 
end of April or beginning of May, at which time it 
may frequently be seen perched on the top of some 
bush, or on the highest twig in a hedge, like the 
Stonechat. The top of a direction-post near here 
I have also observed to be a favourite spot. 
The food of this bird is much the same as that of 
the Great Grey Shrike; but, being a smaller bird, 
it naturally feeds more on the insect and less on the 
animal and bird part, though it will take birds as 
large as a Yellowhammer: hike the last bird, too, it 
fixes its food on thorns and branches, which has 
given rise to the Latin family name of Lanius, or 
Butcher: both these birds are locally known by the 
name of “Butcher Bird.” They eject the hair, 
feathers and indigestible part of their food in 
pellets, like Hawks and Owls. 
The nest is usually placed in a thick bush or 
hedge; it is made of coarse stalks of plants outside, 
