WOODCHAT 



WOOD SHRIKE WOODCHAT SHRIKE. 



PLATE XXIX. 



Lanius rufus, .... BRISSON. BEWICK. 

 Lanius rutilus, .... LATHAM. MONTAGU. 

 Lanius pomeranus, . . . GMELIN. 



THE Woodchat Shrike is an accidental visitor to 

 England during the time of migration. Not more than 

 thirty examples have occurred during the last hundred years. 



The nest is said to be placed in the angle of the branches 

 of a tree a preference being given to the oak. It is com- 

 posed of sticks, wool, and moss, and lined with wool and 

 fine grass. 



Both birds sit on the eggs in turn. 



Professor A. Newton forwarded the drawing of the nest 

 of the Woodchat, from which the accompanying plate is 

 taken. He describes it as particularly large for the size of 

 the builders, being upwards of three inches and a half in 

 diameter inside, and nearly two inches deep. The outworks 

 of this nest are composed of a flowering plant, the stalks 

 of which are laid parallel to one another, which give the 

 nest a singular appearance. A good deal of wood is used 

 in its construction, and it is lined with dry grass mingled 

 with a few small feathers. 



