TELEPHONUS CUCULLATUS 177 



The Hooded Shrike of North-west Africa has been distinguished 

 under the above name from T. senegalus (L.) on account of its some- 

 what brighter coloration and other sHght difference in its plumage. 



The species, the Tschagra as it is usually styled by the Arabs, can 

 hardly be called common in the Kegency, although it occurs, more or 

 less sparingly, throughout the greater part of the country north of the 

 Atlas, where it is resident and breeds. In some of the wooded districts 

 of the Atlas, and particularly on some of the "maquis-" covered hill- 

 slopes, it is indeed fairly plentiful, and may constantly be seen, 

 and perhaps more often heard, its rich flute-like notes striking the ear 

 of the passer-by and at once attracting attention. I have no note of 

 the occurrence of the Hooded Shrike anywhere in South Tunisia, but 

 in South Marocco the species is not uncommon in the Atlas districts, 

 and I have specimens of it obtained there, as well as at Eas-el-Ain on 

 the South coast, in the months of May and June. 



According to Dr. Koenig (J. f. 0. 1892, p. 374), the Tschagra is by 

 no means uncommon in some of the Atlas districts adjoining the east 

 coast of Tunisia, where the wild olive, thuja, and pistacchio grow 

 luxuriantly at the foot of the lower hills and mountain-spurs. Like- 

 wise near Bizerta in the north it appears to be often met with, and 

 even near the town of Tunis itself the species is occasionally to be 

 seen, examples of it being now and then exposed for sale in the Tunis 

 market. 



In its habits this species differs a good deal from other Shrikes, 

 being fond of hiding itself in thick foliage, and depending on conceal- 

 inent to escape detection, instead of perching on the outer branches or 

 tops of bushes and trusting to its keen sight for safety. It seems also 

 to be more or less of a ground bird, and will run from one bush to 

 another, instead of taking to flight. Its food does not seem to differ 

 from that of other Shrikes, consisting chiefly of coleopterous insects, 

 grubs and worms. I have never taken the nest and eggs of this 

 species myself, but according to various authors the nest, which is 

 generally to be found in the middle of a bush, is fairly large, and rather 

 roughly built of rootlets, lined with wool and hair. The eggs, three or 

 four in number, are white or whitish, spotted all over with russet- 

 brown and grey. 



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