MERULIDjft. 43 



THE WOODCHAT SHRIKE. Lanius rufus. Occasional 

 specimens, obtained during the summer months, have given 

 this species a place among British birds. It is extensively 

 distributed on the African continent, is common in the 

 south of Europe, and ranges generally over the more tem- 

 perate parts of that continent. The nest is described as 

 invariably placed on trees, and chiefly the oak ; it is com- 

 posed externally of sticks and wool, mixed with the white 

 moss from the bodies of the trees, and is lined with fine 

 grass and wool. The eggs are rather smaller but somewhat 

 similar to those of the Eed-backed Shrike, four or five in 

 number, and very varied in their colour and markings. 



MEEULID,E. THBUSHES. 



It is in this family that we find the birds most distin- 

 guished for the sweetness, compass, and versatility of their 

 song; and among these the Mocking Birds of America 

 stand unrivalled for their powers of voice. In their habits, 

 the Thrushes are mostly gregarious in winter, and in some 

 species, as the common Fieldfare, throughout the year. A 

 few species of this family have aquatic habits, of which the 

 Dipper, or Water Ousel, is an example. In the Thrushes 



