214 Col. R. Meiiierlzhageii on the [Ibis, 



Laiiius excubitor. 



L. e. eleijans Swains. 



The resident Shrike of northern Sinai and southern Pales- 

 tine, at least as far north as the line Jaffa- Jerusalem, but 

 beconiino- scarce north of Gaza. Recently fledged young 

 were beino- fed at Belah'on 15. vi., but no nests were found. 



Of nine obtained, the wings of the males vary from 112 to 

 115 mm., and those of the females from 107 to 110 mm. The 

 immtiture plumage of tliis race scarcely ever has a trace of 

 the crescent markings usual in the young of other races 

 of excuhitor. 



These Shrikes feed largely on small lizards and beetles, 

 but will attack wounded or caged birds as large as them- 

 selves, one having been known to make a most determined 

 effort against a full-grown ( Jream-coloured (.^ourser. A 

 Shrike, possibly of this race, was seen to chase and kill a Sun- 

 bird in the Jordan Valley. Throughout the summer these 

 birds coukV be seen perched on cactus hedges or telegrajjh- 

 wires, })erpetrating the most varied selection of noises ever 

 heard, sometimes very melodious and at other times insistently 

 raucous and rasping. During the operation they puff out 

 the feathers of the head and neck, turning from right to left 

 in their self-satisfaction at each new operatic effort. 



They adapted themselves quickly to the mass of barbed 

 wire round Rafa, and more than one "larder'^ was found 

 spiked on the barbs. 



Lanius senator. 

 L. s. niloticus Bp. 



The Eastern Woodcliat was only once seen on autumn pas- 

 sage at Rafa — on 21.viii. — which is curious, as it is such 

 a common summer visitor to the coastal plains of southern 

 Palestine, breeding very commonly on Mount (Jarmel. 

 These breeding birds commence to arrive about the middle 

 of March, full clutches of seven fresh and five incubated 

 eggs being taken on 2-4. iv. and 2^d. iv. respectively, the 

 larger clutch being of the greenish-blue type and the smaller 



