149 



THE GREAT GREY SHRIKE. 

 (Lanius excubitor.) 



In spite of its comparatively small size this is a bold 

 bird, and a true " Watchman " ; he keeps a sharp look- 

 out from the top branches of a dead tree, or a post, and 

 will not suffer any other bird, even if ten times his size, 

 to perch anywhere in his vicinity. Buzzards, Ravens, 

 Crows, Magpies, he pounces on, something in the 

 manner of a Falcon, and tries to push them off. He 

 generally succeeds in routing the intruder, for he is in- 

 defatigable in attack. His food includes any living 

 creature that he can slaughter. 



He picks up a fat grasshopper, hovers over and darts 

 on a mouse, just as a hawk does. These acts are bene- 

 ficial ; but they are not to be compared with the amount 

 of harm he does, as a cut-throat and robber among the 

 useful small birds. He disturbs the nests of the little 

 singing birds which build on the ground, ransacks 

 bushes and treetops, and slays mercilessly. His methods 

 are those of the highwayman. He will sit on a stake on 

 the top of a hayrick and watch, keeping perfectly still, 

 only his eyes sweeping around. When his victim comes 

 within range of his vision on earth, or tree, he instantly 

 falls upon it. His close relation to the birds of prey, 

 is indicated by his cry " Tett, tett." His call is a 

 strong, rough sound, like, " Sheck, sheck," or a 

 fainter " Truii." This bird remains in Hungary 

 through the winter, but is not very common. Where 

 he does take up his abode, he does great harm by 

 slaughtering the useful birds. 



