THE GEEAT NOETHERN SHEIKE. 269 



Length, nine and eighty-five one-hundredths inches ; wings, four and fifty one- 

 hundredths inches; tail, four and eighty one-hundredths inches; its graduation, 

 ninety one-hundredths inches. 



THIS species, although not uncommon as a winter visitor 

 in New England, is seldom seen here during the sum- 

 mer months ^ and I think that it very rarely breeds in these 

 States, and then only in the most northern and retired 

 sections. 



It makes its appearance about the last week in October, 

 and is seen until the last week in April. During this period, 

 it preys upon small birds, mice, and such insects and larvae 

 as it finds in exposed situations, such as fences, piles of 

 stones, &c. 



In watching for its prey, it usually remains perched on a 

 stake or small tree, in a field or meadow, carefully scanning 

 the surrounding neighborhood. When a mouse or other 

 small mammal presents itself in the grass, the bird folds 

 its wings, drops on it with an unerring aim, and seizes it 

 with its bill. If a flock of small birds, such as Pine-finches 

 or Eed-polls, appear in sight, he immediately pursues them, 

 and generally secures one or two before they are dispersed. 

 I have seen an individual dart into a flock of Tree Sparrows, 

 and kill three of them before they could escape ; and it 

 seems a characteristic of this bird to secure more than 

 enough food for its present wants. Its habit of suspending 

 small birds, mice, and insects on thorns and small twigs, 

 is well known. This is done, I am inclined to think, not 

 because, as many writers assert, that it will not eat its food 

 when freshly killed, and it thus suspends it in order that 

 it may become tainted, but rather to have this food stored 

 for future need. We see many other birds with this same 

 habit of providing for future wants ; particularly the Blue 

 Jay, and some of the Woodpeckers. 



I have never met with the nest of this species, and will 

 borrow the description by Audubon : — 



"About the 20th of April, the male and his mate are seen 



