106 THE SHRIKE. 



manners, which indicate their readiness to engage in 

 hazardous undertakings. The species of this tribe are 

 quite numerous, and one or more of them are found in 

 almost every country; but the description of a single 

 specimen will give an idea of the manners of the whole 

 family. 



THE GREAT SHRIKE. 



[This is also called the Butcher Bird.] 

 How large is the Great Shrike ? 



The Great Shrike is ten inches long and thirteen 

 inches in extent. 



What is the colour of this bird ? 



The colour of the bill is black ; the upper parts are 

 pale ash-colour ; the throat and under parts are dirty 

 white ; the quill-feathers and tail are black, ending in 

 white ; below the eyes there is a patch of black, and 

 the legs are of the same colour. 



Where is this bird found ? 



The Great Shrike is found in most parts of the Uni- 

 ted States, and in Europe. 



The manners and habits of this bird are in some 

 respects quite peculiar. Whenever he takes more 

 food than he immediately wants, he carries it to a 

 thorn-bush, or the sharp twig of some other tree, and 

 there hangs it up, by sticking the thorn through it. 

 In orchards frequented by these birds, it is said that on 

 almost every tree, there may be seen grasshoppers, 

 or other insects, suspended in this manner. It is from 

 his hanging up his provisions in this way, as butchers 

 do their meat, that he is called Butcher Bird. 



This practice has been thought to arise from a de- 

 sire to call other birds near him, that he might seize 



