288 GLEANINGS FROM NATURE. 



but the shrike is readily distinguished by its more 

 bulky form and its much stronger hooked and notched 

 bill. In size it is about the same as the common 

 robin, measuring 9J inches from tip of bill to end of 

 tail. Above, the general color is a clear bluish ash, 

 somewhat paler on the rump. Below, it is a dirty 

 white, everywhere crossed with fine, wavy blackish 

 lines. The quills of wing and tail and a broad bar 

 along the side of head are black ; while a white spot 

 is situated upon the lower half of each wing. 



The northern 

 shrike nests 

 only in British 

 America, but in 

 i winter ranges 

 southward to 

 about latitude 

 36 decrees. Its 



Fig. 80 Great Northern Shrike. (After Coues.) 



scientific name 



is Lanius borealis Vieillot, from two Latin words 

 meaning " butcher" and "of the north." During 

 severe winters these birds often appear about the 

 suburbs of cities and prey upon the English sparrows, 

 and sometimes become so bold as to fly into open 

 windows and attack a canary, even in the presence of 

 human beings. By the Germans they are often called 

 neuntodter or "nine killers," from the belief that they 

 catch and hang up nine mice or nine sparrows each 

 day. 



They are treacherous birds and use many devices to 

 get within striking distance of their prey. Dr. Abbott 

 has well described their actions as follows : " I remem- 



