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THE GREAT NORTHERN SHRIKE. 269 
Length, nine and eighty-five one-hundredths inches; wings, four and fifty one- 
hundredths inches; tail, four and eighty one-hundredths inches; its graduation, 
ninety one-hundredths inches. 
HIS species, although not uncommon as a winter visitor 
in New England, is seldom seen here during the sum- 
mer months; and I think that it very rarely breeds in these 
States, and then only in the most northern and retired 
sections. 
It makes its appearance about the last week in October, 
and is seen until the last week in April. During this period, 
it preys upon small birds, mice, and such insects and larvee 
as it finds in exposed situations, such as fences, piles of 
stones, &c. 
In watching for its prey, it usually remains perched on a 
stake or small tree, in a field or meadow, carefully scanning 
the surrounding neighborhood. When a mouse or other 
small mammal presents itself in the grass, the bird folds 
its wings, drops on it with an unerring aim, and seizes it 
with its bill. If a flock of small birds, such as Pine-finches 
or Red-polls, appear in sight, he immediately pursues them, 
and generally secures one or two before they are dispersed. 
I have seen an individual dart into a flock of Tree Sparrows, 
and kill three of them before they could escape; and it 
seems a characteristic of this bird to secure more than 
enough food for its present wants. Its habit of suspending 
small birds, mice, and insects on thorns and small twigs, 
is well known. This is done, I am inclined to think, not 
because, as many writers assert, that it will not eat its food 
when freshly killed, and it thus suspends it in order that 
it may become tainted, but rather to have this food stored 
for future need. We see many other birds with this same 
habit of providing for future wants; particularly the Blue 
Jay, and some of the Woodpeckers. 
I have never met with the nest of this species, and will 
borrow the description by Audubon : — 
“ About the 20th of April, the male and his mate are seen 
