JAN., 1909. BIRDS OF ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN CORY. 



627 



Family LANIID^. Shrikes. 



The Shrikes are a large family, containing some 200 species 

 mostly exotic. Two species occur in Illinois and Wisconsin, both 

 grayish birds with dark wings and tail, and a noticeable stripe through 

 the eye. They are pugnacious and savage, preying upon animals 

 as well as insects. They have the singular habit of impaling small 

 birds and animals upon sharp twigs and thorns, and it is not uncom- 



Northern Shrike. 



