'27 



BEARDED TIT. (WINTER). 

 Case 40. 



In winter the Reed Pheasants* join in flocks, 

 varying from three to four or ten or fifteen, and 

 keep together till early in the spring. 



Though such delicate looking little birds, they 

 are remarkably hardy, and seem able to contend 

 against severe weather with greater success than 

 many much larger and apparently stronger birds. 



"The specimens in the case were obtained in the 

 reed beds round Heigham Sounds, in Norfolk, in 

 December, 1871. 



RED-BACKED SHRIKE. 



Case 41. 



The Butcher-bird, as this species is more 

 frequently styled in the south, arrives in the 

 beginning of May, and, after rearing its young, 

 departs early in the autumn. 



In some parts of Sussex, and also in the grass 

 country in the neighbourhood of Harrow-on-the- 

 Hill, a few miles north of London, this bird is 

 particularly abundant. 



I have never myself observed them further 

 north than Norfolk, though they occur in York- 

 shire, and have at times, it is said, been met with in 

 Scotland. 



They prey on beetles and other large insects, 

 at times for convenience in feeding transfixing them 

 on thorns in hedges. I once noticed a male flying 

 with what appeared to be an old Yellowhammer in 

 his claws ; though it is stated that the Shrike 

 occasionally destroys young birds, I should hardly 

 have imagined one capable of slaying a full- 

 grown Yellow Bunting. 



* The Bearded Titmouse is known among the marshmen in the 

 east of Norfolk by the name of Reed Pheasant. 



