MOTHER SHRIKE 71 



great indiscretion, but not with the shrikes ; they 

 do not seem to have any touchy susceptibilities in 

 this respect. 



I often wonder why Nature has stamped the 

 shrikes with such a brigand-like visage, why 

 that black mask, so typical of the evil-doer? 

 From the scientific point of view it is probably 

 merely to break up the outline of the head and 

 give the owner greater opportunities for hiding 

 himself in the shrubbery or on elevated perches ; 

 but still it is hard not to see in it something sinis- 

 ter. The notched beak with its wicked hook, sug- 

 gesting the predatory habits of the owner, doubt- 

 less aids in establishing this impression. Given a 

 new head, he might be transformed into a rather 

 handsome perching bird, but as he is he seems to 

 be a combination of the hawks and perchers. 



This shrike pair were of the white-rumped 

 species, and though very similar in appearance, 

 must not be confused with the northern brother. 

 The latter is a winter visitor. He haunts the 

 stacks or farm buildings on the plains, or keeps 

 to the edges of the woods during the winter 

 months ; and hawk-like he preys on mice, English 

 sparrows, and other small birds that he can catch. 

 He is veritably a hawk in dove's clothing. Hawk- 



