824 



niSTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 











AMERICAN SHRIKE. 



On this bird, Nuttall has the following remarks : 

 " In a natural state he takes his station on the top 

 of an apple tree, a stake, or a tall weed, and betwixt 

 the amusement of his sqeuaking tAvitter, employs him- 

 self in darting after his insect food. Occasionally he 

 is seen hovering over the field, with beating wing, 

 almost like a hawk, surveying the ground or herbage 

 for grasshoppers, which are a favorite diet. At other 

 times they may be observed in small companies flick- 

 ering over still waters in the same employment, the 

 gratification of appetite. Now and then, during the 

 heat of summer, they are seen to dip and bathe, in 

 the watery mirror, and with this washing, drying, and 

 pluming, they appear to be both gratified and amused. 

 During the season of their sojourn, the pair are often 

 Been moving about in company, with a rapid quiver- 



