540 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
The Shrikes proper possess the instinct of destruction in the very 
highest degree. They delight in shedding blood and in spreading 
death wherever they go; indeed, their evil disposition has become 
proverbial. Not satisfied with killing with a view of satisfying the 
lawful needs of hunger, they sacrifice, as if for mere pleasure, insects, 
birds, and small mammals. They afterwards impale them upon the 
thorns of bushes and hedges. 
But still we must not condemn these birds with too great a degree 
of severity. No doubt there is cruelty in their actions; but, first 
Fig. 250.—Umbrella bird. 
and foremost, we are bound to recognise the foresight which they 
show. These victims are stored as a supply in time of need. It 1s 
a mistake to think that all creatures which they attack are smaller 
than themselves. Although not large, they are not afraid of ravens 
or magpies, and even birds of prey, particularly if called upon to 
defend their young. 
Shrikes generally inhabit extensive woods. During the day they 
perch upon the top branches of trees, from which they pounce upon 
their prey. They fly rather indifferently, but hover with great ease. 
Their twittering is continual, and some of their melodies are not 
entirely devoid of charm. They are remarkable for their talent of 
