34 BIRDS OF P. E. ISLAND 



their 3'oung are sufficiently experienced on the 

 wing, and, first wandering south from one farm- 

 stead to another, finally sweep off from the 

 Island. 



Shrikes. 



The Butcher-bird (Lanius borealis) is an ash- 

 colored bird, with black wings and tail, the size 

 of a Robin. When insects fail, it feeds on weaker 

 members of the feathered family. It has the 

 curious habit of impaling its victims on a thorn 

 or pointed spray. Even insects are hung up in 

 this way, as a butcher hangs up his meat. 



The " bold brigand " is but seldom seen here. 

 Only in autumn have we observed his solitary 

 grey form, with the w^ary, suspicious flight of a 

 felon, sweep our partly forsaken fields. 



Jftnrh^s. 



Of this large family we have many interesting 

 and beautiful species. They are wild, roving birds 



