Vireos, Shrikes, and Waxwings 



FIG. 193. Young California shrike. 



cause it kills English spar- 

 rows. It sings fairly well. 

 About the time that this 

 shrike leaves for its summer 

 home in Canada, a similar 

 but smaller species, known 

 as the migrant shrike, ar- 

 rives from the South and 

 spends the summer with us. 

 Although not common, it is 

 likely to be seen by any one 

 who drives several miles 

 along a country road, for it 



perches on a telephone wire or in some other conspicu- 

 ous place, from which its keen eyes enable it to detect 

 grasshoppers at a distance of 50 yards. These, with 

 large beetles and other insects, make up about three 

 fourths of its food. Since most of these insects are 

 injurious and since the shrike also catches mice and Eng- 

 lish sparrows, it is considered useful to man. However, 

 shrikes kill various kinds of small and useful birds, be- 

 sides snakes, frogs, and lizards. The loggerhead shrike is 

 very similar to the migrant shrike. 



In general appearance shrikes resemble mocking birds, 

 so that in the Southern states they are sometimes called 

 " French mocking birds." The shrike has, however, a 

 black stripe on the side of the head which the mocking 

 bird lacks. The nest of the shrike is often built in thorn 

 trees, which makes it difficult of access for persons who 

 might wish to destroy it. Do you think shrikes should 

 be destroyed ? 



