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BIRDS. 



TRIBE I. DENTIROSTRES.* 



This family includes those Passeres only that have the beak 

 notched on both sides, near the point. They are all insectivorous, 

 and most of them also eat berries and other tender fruits ; such 



are 



FIG. 345. GREY SHRIKE. 



The Shrikes (Lanhis). Though small in size, these birds are full of cou- 

 rage ; they contend with birds of prey, and, like them, live by rapine. They 

 feed on insects and small birds, and always inhabit woods and bushes. They 

 live in families, and fly irregularly and precipitately, uttering shrill cries. The 

 Butcher-Bird (Lanius collurio) destroys a great many small animals, birds, 

 and young toads, as well as insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, &c. : these 

 it has the habit of impaling on the thorns of bushes, in order to devour them 

 at leisure or to find them again when wanted. 



* Dens, dentis, a tooth ; rostrum, a beak : tooth-beaks. 



