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 liinl. 



and foremost, we are bound to recognise the foresight which they 

 show. These victims are stored as a supply in time of need. It is 

 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 



