81 



great rovers, rambling over the country at wilJ. They breed in considerable num- 

 bers, at times among the shade trees of our town?. In winter their favorite food 

 appears to be the Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.). In cherry time they are the 

 most persistent robbers of all the cherry-loving birds. They have no fear of man, 

 dog or gun, and after being frightened away, promptly return to the feast they re- 

 luctantly left. 



FAMILY LANIID^E. SHRIKES. 



GENUS LANIUS LINN.EUS. 

 Lanius borealis (Vieill.). NORTHERN SHRIKE; BUTCHER BIRD. 



Butcher Bird. 



Winter resident; usually tolerably common northward, more rare south- 

 ward, but occasionally found in some numbers. This species has been reported as 

 breeding in the northern part of the State, but its breeding range is far to the 

 northward. Owing to this fact it is probable that another Shrike was mistaken 

 for it. 



*233. Lanius ludovicianus Linn. LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. 



Bare summer resident in southern half of the State. Breed?. Arrives from 

 the South March 15 to 25, and returns about November 1 to 15. The birds found 

 throughout the southern part of the State, so far as I have observed, seem to be this 

 form. In the southeastern part of the State the specimens taken are typical. 



: 234. Lanius ludovicianus excubitoroides (?am.). WHITI-RUMPED SHRIKE. 



Summer resident in the northern half of the State, found locally in some num- 

 bers. Breeds. The Shrikes found in pummer in northern Indiana appear to 

 approach this form, so I have for the present included it. Mr. Ridgway, writing of 

 the birds of Illinois, seems disposed not to admit it to the fauna of that State (Orn. 

 of 111., Vol. I, pp. 194-7). 



While these birds destroy some small birds, on the whole they are beneficial, 

 because of the number of small mammals and insects, particularly grasshoppers, 

 which they capture. 



6 A PP. HORT. 



