SHRIKES. S5 



before the coop that-very night. In the month of August 

 this care ceased ; but that period is exactly the time when 

 all birds of prey abandon their young to their own exer- 

 tions." 



THE SHRIKE. 



The Grey Shrike is the most common of the European 

 species. It is about ten, inches in length, and fourteen in 

 breadth ; its bill is black, about an inch long, with hooked 

 end. The geneial colour is ash, but it is varied with 

 black and white. This bird preys chiefly on the smaller 

 birds, which jt strang^ like the Hawk, and then fastens 

 to some sharp thorn 'to devour them at its ease. The 

 larger insects are also preyed upon by the Shrike, and 

 spitted on thorns. It is a very bold bird, and drives away 

 even Crows and Hawks, not permitting it to come within 

 reach of its nest.- Thx? nest is built with great art, of 

 moss, wool, and small 'twigs and fibres, and lined with 

 feathers. The Shrike makes a peculiar grating noise in 

 the summer evenings. 



THE COLLARED SHRIKE 



Is of the same size as the grey, black above and white 

 beneath. It is a native of Africa. It is a very fierce and 

 destructive creature, killing locusts, mantedes, and small 

 birds, in numbers far .exceeding its consumption, and 

 spitting them, on thprns. or between the branches. It 

 drives away the bjrds of prey, who sometimes avail them- 

 selves of its collections. 



THE JOCOSE SHRIKE 



Is about the size of a lark, brown above, dull white 

 beneath, with bright rose colour under the tail : the crown 

 of the head black and crested, with crimson spots under the 

 eyes. It is a native of the East, and is of a very docile 

 disposition, so that it may be taught to perform many 

 pleasing tricks. 



