SHRIKES. 



541 



imitation, and mimic the songs of other birds with such exactness as 

 to deceive the most experienced ear. Some even go so far as to 

 assert that they use this faculty to capture small birds. 



Fig. 251. The Great Grey Shrike. 



They migrate every year, and at the time of their 'journey are 

 much sought after for the table ; for their flesh, being covered with 

 abundant layers of fat, is very rich. It is a curious fact that, in spite 

 of their cross-grained nature, they are very easily tamed. They cannot, 

 however, accommodate themselves to close captivity, their active 



