170 THE WHITE-RUMPED SHRIKE. 



July. Some 8.50-9.00 long, it is about an inch shorter 

 than the Northern Shrike (Collurio borealis), and precisely 

 the size of the Loggerhead (Collurio ludovicianus) of the 

 Gulf States, of which latter it is now regarded as a mere 

 variety, occupying the more western and northwestern 

 regions. Coues gives its habitat: " Middle Province of 

 North America, to the Saskatchewan; east through Kansas, 

 Iowa, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin, to New York and Canada 

 West, probably into New England. In the Southern States, 

 replaced by typical ludovicianus. On the Pacific Coast, not 

 observed north of California. South through Mexico." 

 Frank R. Rathbun, in his list of birds of Central New York, 

 states that it is "a not uncommon summer resident." 



Bluish-ash above, white beneath (sometimes rather gray- 

 ish-white), patches from the base of the bill across the eyes 

 and auriculars, the rounded wings and tail, black; spot in 

 the base of the primaries, tips of some of the secondaries, 

 edging of the scapulars, sides of the tail and rump, white; 

 bill and feet black this bird is really beautiful, especially 

 in its flight, which is low and straightforward, with 

 rapid strokes, showing the clear white and black of the 

 wings and tail to fine advantage. The rapid wing motion 

 seems almost to describe contiguous semicircles of white 

 and black at the sides of the moving bird, and contrast finely 

 with its clear, light colors. It perches on some solitary tree in 

 the open field, on a fence-stake, or on the hedge; sitting 

 motionless as a Hawk, while it watches its vicinity for its 

 favorite items of prey, consisting of various small insects, 

 beetles, grasshoppers, mice, and small birds, which last it 

 may not infrequently be seen lugging by the head as it flies 

 from point to point, or munching at its leisure when perched. 



The orchard is decidedly a favorite resort of this bird. 

 Here, saddled on the limb of an apple-tree, it builds its 



