Jimmy the Butcher-bird 123 



About two weeks later Jimmy was seen for the last 

 time. There were two shrikes out in the low oaks beyond 

 the irrigating ditch. One came sweeping across from the 

 hill, flapping his short wings and screeching his greet- 

 ings in butcher-bird tongue. He paused just long enough 

 on the fence to see that his companion had disappeared. 

 With a loud squawk Jimmy turned back to find her, for 

 that was his new mistress. 



THE SHRIKE OR BUTCHER-BIRD FAMILY 



The Shrikes may be recognized by the powerful head and neck 

 and the hooked bill. Length, about nine inches. Bluish-gray in color. 

 They are bold and fearless and feed on insects, mice, and small birds, 

 which they impale on thorns and sharp twigs. 



White-rumped Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides\ Butcher- 

 bird: Male and female, upper parts pale ashy-gray; narrow black stripe 

 across forehead through eye; under parts and rump, white; wings and 

 tail, black with white markings. Found in middle and eastern North 

 America, where it nests in hedges and thorn-trees. Eggs, four to six, 

 grayish, covered with brown spots. 



The Northern Shrike is very similar but is seen only from November 

 to April as a roving winter resident. 



California Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus gambeli): Pacific Coast form, 

 identical with White-rumped Shrike. 



