SHRIKES. 



569 



abuse this faculty by deceiving small birds, whose song they 

 imitate. 



They migrate every year, and at the time of their journey are 

 much sought after for the table ; for their flesh, being covered with 

 abundant layers of fat, is very rich. It is a curious fact that, in 

 spite of their cross-grained nature, they are very easily tamed. 

 They cannot, however, accommodate themselves to close captivity, 

 their active natures requiring a more extended field of action; 



Fig. 271. -The Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excuf/itor, Wood). 



such, for instance, as a large aviary affords. When kept in a 

 place of this kind, they become very friendly, and appear to be 

 fully sensible of the caresses of their master. 



