AVES—SHRIKE. 505 
The wovdchat resembles the former, except in the color of the back which 
is brown, and not red, as in the other 
THE GREAT AMERICAN SHRIKE. 
Tue form and countenance of this bird bespeak him full of courage and 
energy ; and his true character does not belie his appearance, for he possesses 
these qualities in an eminent degree. It is not yet decided whether it be the 
same as the cinereous shrike of Linneus; its habits and manners appear to 
be the same. 
This bird frequents the deepest forests > builds a large, compact nest, of 
dry grass and moss, in the upright fork of w small tree. In his manners he 
has more resemblance to the pies than to birds of prey, particularly in the 
habit of carrying off his surplus food, as if to hoard it for future exigencies ; 
with this difference, that the pies conceal theirs at random in holes and 
crevices, where perhaps it is forgotten ; while the shrike sticks his on thorns 
and bushes, where it shrivels in the sun, and soon becomes useless to the 
hoarder. One of these birds had once the temerity to pursue a snow-bird 
into an open cage which stood in a garden; and, before any one could arrive 
to its assistance, had already strangled and scalped it, though he lost his 
liberty by the exploit. In confinement, he sticks up not only insects, but 
flesh, and the bodies of such birds as are thrown to him, on nails and sticks 
fixed up for the purpose. 
The character of the butcher-bird is entitled to no small degree of respect. 
His activity is visible in all his motions; his courage and intrepidity beyond 
every other bird of his size, (the king-bird excepted,) and in affection for bis 
young, he is surpassed by no other. He associates with them, the whole 
family hunting in company. He attacks the largest hawk or eagle in thei 
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