GREAT GREY SHRIKE. 157 



Class. They are distinguished as an Order by possessing 

 the largest volume of brain in proportion to their size, and 

 a corresponding degree of intelligence ; the vocal organs 

 present the highest degree of perfection to be found in the 

 class, and several of the species are capable of imitating the 

 sounds of the human voice : by the perfection of the foot 

 it is adapted to the greatest variety of purposes, and the 

 hind toe is always present, and always articulated on the 

 same level or plane with the fore- toes. 



The birds included in this Order are again divided ; and 

 those now about to be described belong to the division or 

 tribe called DENTIROSTEES, on account of the distinct tooth 

 or notch near the extremity of one or both of the man- 

 dibles. 



The Great Grey Shrike, the largest of the British species 

 of the genus Lanius, is only an occasional visitor to this 

 country, and is generally obtained between autumn and 

 spring. On two occasions it has been seen in Essex during 

 summer, by observers who know this bird well ; and also 

 in Burnt-ash Lane, near Lee in Kent, by Mr. Gray; yet 

 it has not, that I am aware, been ever known to breed 

 here, though the large size of the nest and the variable 

 colour and markings of the eggs of the Bed-backed Shrike 

 have in some instances led to the belief that they belonged 

 to the Great Shrike. A pair of Grey Shrikes were fre- 

 quently seen together in a fir plantation in Northumber- 

 land in the spring of 1831 ; but on search being made later 

 in the season, neither the birds nor any nest could be 

 found, and by far the greater number of British killed spe- 

 cimens have been obtained during the winter season. 



The Grey Shrike feeds upon mice, shrews, small birds, 

 frogs, lizards, and large insects. After having killed its 

 prey, it fixes the body in a forked branch, or upon a sharp 

 thorn, the more readily to pull off small pieces from it. It 



