324 INSESSORES. 



celebrated Campanero of South America, whose voice, during 

 the stillness of mid-day, it is said, exactly resembles the tolling 

 of a bell. 



At uncertain intervals, the Chatterers appear in particular 

 districts in immense flocks, and so remarkable have such visita- 

 tions appeared, that they have been recorded as events of history, 

 and regarded as ominous, in some way, of great public calami- 

 ties. 



FIFTH FAMILY. SHRIKES, or BUTCHER BIRDS. 

 Laniadce, (Lat. lanius, a butcher.) 



The structure of these birds closely resembles that of the 

 Perchers, but their beak is very similar to that of the falcons, in 

 its strength, its arched form, its strongly hooked point, (see Chart,) 

 and in the distinct tooth which precedes the usual notch of the 

 tooth-billed tribe. This peculiarity of beak is accompanied by 

 a carnivorous appetite, a rapacious cruelty, and a courage alto- 

 gether raptorial, and which, as indicating a kindred nature, have 

 induced naturalists to associate them with birds of prey. 



The Shrikes not only devour the larger insects, especially 

 grasshoppers, but even attack and overpower small birds and 

 quadrupeds, seizing them with their beak or claws, and bearing 

 them to some station near to tear them in pieces with their 

 toothed and crooked beak. These birds live in families for a 

 few weeks after the breeding season ; they fly irregularly and 

 precipitately, uttering shrill cries ; nestle on trees or in bushes ; 

 lay five or six eggs and take great care of their young. Many 

 of them have the curious habit of impaling their prey upon a 

 large thorn, and then pulling it to pieces and'devouring it at their 

 leisure. Hence they have derived the name of Butcher-birds. 

 Mr. Bell, when traveling in Russia, had one of these birds given 

 to him, which he kept in a room, having fixed up a sharpened 

 stick for him in the wall ; and on turning small birds loose in the 

 room, the Butcher-bird instantly caught them by the throat in 

 such a manner as soon to suffocate them, and then stuck them on 

 the stick, pulling them on with bill and claws ; and so served as 

 many as were turned loose, one after another, on the same stick. 



The power which the Shrikes have of clutching with their 

 toes is remarkably great. They always hold their prey in one 

 foot, resting on the tarsal joint of that foot, unless when they 

 have fastened the prey upon a thorn, when they pull it to pieces 

 in a contrary direction. They show great boldness in defending 



