62 THE BUTCHER BIRD. 



to this order may be found ; many of the species are gregarious, 

 especially those which feed on worms, larva, or seeds ; they walk 

 with ease, are good leapers, and their flight, which is strong, is 

 generally performed by regularly timed beats. The nest of the 

 larger species is rudely constructed, that of the smaller more 

 neatly ; the young remain until fledged. 



INLAND BIRDS CAPABLE OF BEING TAMED WHEN OLD. 

 4. THE GREAT OR ASH-COLOTJRED SHRIKE, OR BUTCHER-BIRD. 



Lanius Encubiter, LINN. Pie griesche grise, BUF. Der geimeine wiirgef 

 oder grosse Krichalster, BECH. 



Description. The Butcher-bird is about the size of the Ked- 

 wing, though a little longer, being nine inches in length, of 

 which the tail measures three inches and three quarters, and 

 the beak eight lines. The folded wings cover a third part of 

 the tail. As in all Shrikes, the beak is straight at the root, 

 but curved over at the end, and provided with a small prong 

 or tooth. It is black, except at the under part of the root, 

 where it is yellowish white. The iris is dark brown, the feet 

 a glossy black, and one inch in. height. The whole upper part 

 of the body is a light ashen grey, passing into white at the 

 rump feathers, over the eyes, on the forehead, and on the 

 shoulders. A broad black stripe runs from the nostrils, be- 

 tween the eyes, to the region above the temples, which are 

 white. The under part of the body is white, with dusky, 

 dark brown, wavy lines, more distinct in the female than the 

 male. The larger wing coverts are black, the lesser ashen 

 grey. The black quill feathers, being white at the root and 

 point, make two white spots on each wing. The tail is wedge- 

 shaped, having the external feathers almost entirely white, and 

 the middle feathers black. 



Habitat. This is not a bird of passage. It frequents 

 groves, thickets, and the outskirts of larger woods, and also 

 bushy parts of the open country. It perches chiefly on the tops 

 of trees. In confinement it is a very courageous and rapacious 

 bird, and therefore cannot be allowed to run about where other 

 birds are. It is best kept in a large cage if possible, made 

 of wire. 



Food. In summer the Shrikes chiefly feed on beetles, 

 crickets, blind-worms, lizards ; and on mice and small birds, 

 only when these are not to be procured. In winter, however, 



