KEEL-BREASTED BIRDS. 289 



The Shrikes (Lanida) have hawk-like bills, abruptly 

 hooked, the upper mandible toothed, and both notched. 

 They have a world-wide distribution. 



The great northern shrikes, or butcher-birds (Lanius 

 borealis), are about nine inches in length. They prey upon 

 insects, mice, and other birds, and are called butchers 



FIG. 317. Umbrella-bird. 



from the fact that their surplus game, birds, etc., are im- 

 paled,* while yet living, on thorns, briers, or bushes. They 

 are great mimics, and extremely adept at learning notes. 

 The nest is placed in trees, the greenish-gray, brown -spot- 

 ted eggs being from four to seven in number. 



In the wagtails (Motadllida*) the bill is shorter than the 

 head, slender, straight, and notched at the tips. The feet 

 are strong, and adapted for walking. They are mostly 

 confined to the Eastern Hemisphere ; the name refers to 

 the habit of moving the tail up and down. 



* A tame butcher-bird has been known to impale animals given it 

 on a sharp stick supplied for the purpose. 



