482 CLASS AVES, 



tedious a detail of generic characters and specific descriptions, 

 and will be the better enabled to confine his attention to a 

 single portion of the order at one time. 



The first genus of the Passeres which claims our attention 

 is that of the Shrikes. Its characters and divisions we have 

 seen in the text. As it was originally constituted by Linnaeus, 

 it comprehended species extremely different from each other, 

 which have since been referred to more suitable genera, or have 

 served as the types of several new genera. 



They are naturally divided into three sections, as Levaillant 

 originally divided them. The first have the longest wings 

 and strongest beak. They fly well, and are much given to 

 the chase. The second have the wings shorter and rounded : 

 their bill is weaker, and their disposition more mild. They 

 quit the bushes less frequently, where they remain concealed 

 the greater part of the day. Those of the third section have 

 the body more compact and heavy, the tail very short, and the 

 beak feeble. 



Notwithstanding the dismemberments which have been 

 made from this genus, it still contains a great number of 

 species, some of which lead to the thrushes, and others to the 

 warblers, in an insensible manner, chiefly through the species 

 of the third section. Their habits, too, and insectivorous 

 diet point out their natural relation with other groups of the 

 Passeres. 



The shrikes are spread over the entire globe, and every- 

 where exhibit similar dispositions, habits, and modes of ex- 

 istence. Of small size, but armed with a strong and crooked 

 beak, of a fierce and courageous disposition, and of a san- 

 guinary appetite, they bear much affinity to the birds of 

 prey. Naturally intrepid, they defend themselves vigorously, 

 and do not hesitate to attack birds much stronger and larger 

 than themselves. The European shrikes can combat with 

 advantage, pies, crows, and even kestrills. They attack and 

 pursue these birds with great ferocity, if they dare to approach 

 their nests. It is even sufficient if any of them should pass 



