THE ENGLISH SPARROW AND ITS ALLIES 289 



monest species are the red-eyed vireo (Fig. 272) and the 

 yellow-throated vireo. 



The Laniidae, or shrikes, are of world- wide distribution. 

 They are vigorous, pugnacious birds, which have the habit 



FIG. 271. Maryland yellow-throat (Geothlypis trichas). 



of impaling grasshoppers and other small animals upon 

 thorns, and leaving them there. In Germany there is a 

 tradition that the shrike daily impales nine victims, and it 

 is hence commonly called Neuntodter, or " ninekiller." The 



