GREAT SHRIKE. 127 



ORDER II. PIES. 



4. SHRIKE TRIBE. 



This tribe forms a link in the chain of being, connect- 

 ing the Rapacious Birds with those called Pies. With 

 the former it agrees in the strength, and, in some degree, 

 the form of its bill ; whilst it resembles the latter in its 

 general manners and appearance, in the form of its tongue 

 and tail, and in the structure of its feet. 



Great Shrike, or Butcher Bird. The name of Butcher 

 Bird has been given to this species, from their very 

 singular habit of seizing their prey and afterwards stick- 

 ing it upon a thorn, for the purpose of tearing it to pieces 

 with their bill. In this manner they spit young birds, 

 and some of the larger kinds of insects. It is supposed 

 that they are endowed with this instinct, because they 

 have not strength sufficient in their claws to hold it 

 down whilst they tear it. There is a popular notion re- 

 specting them, that they watch the coming of hawks, and 

 give them notice of birds concealed, in order that they 

 may prey on such as they have not themselves the power 

 of overcoming. The Great Shrikes live in woods and 

 thickets, in wild and mountainous places ; and are inhabit- 

 ants not only of England and other parts of Europe, 

 but also of America. Their flight is generally in a some, 

 what zigzag direction, and with precipitation. They 

 build their nests of heath, dry grass, wool, and feathers, 

 and lay six or seven eggs, of a dull olive-green colour, 

 spotted at the larger end with black. 



