274 



THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE. 



Two other species are known in America — the Loggerhead and the White-rump ; the 

 first named a Southern species, and the latter from the Western plains. 



The Red-backed Shrike is very much more common than the last-mentioned species. 

 Its winter quarters seem to be situated in Africa, and it readies the northern countries 

 of Europe at the end of April or the beginning of May, passing through Italy on its 

 passage. 



During the time of its residence it may often be seen flitting about the tops of hedges and 

 small trees, evidently in search of its prey, and even at a considerable distance may be recog- 

 nized by its habit of wagging its tail up and down whenever it settles, in a manner very similar 



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GREAT GRAY SHRIKE and EED- BACKED ^WSIKR.— Lanlus exciMtorauA coUiirio. 



to that of the wag -tails. Usually it is seen in pairs ; but wlien the eggs are laid, the male bird 

 is generally engaged in procuring food while the mother bird stays at home and attends to her 

 domestic affairs. 



The food of the Red-backed Shrike chiefly consists of tlie larger insects, such as grass- 

 hoppers, beetles, and chafers, and it is in the habit of impaling them on the thorns near its 

 nest, probably to save the mother bird the trouble of going to look for her own meals. A not 

 very common species of cocktail beetle, the StaphyUnus erythropterus, is a very favorite prey 

 of this bird ; and when I was making uj) my collection of insects, I used to derive considerable 

 assistance from the labors of the Red-backed Shrike. These impaled insects are stuck about 

 the bnsh in such numbers, and in so very open a fasliioii, that they form a ready guide to 

 the position of the Shrike's nest. Moreover, the jiarent l)irds are so solicitous about their 

 home, that as soon as they see a human being approaching their nest, they set up such a 



