GREAT GREY SHRIKE. 157 
Class. They are distinguished as an Order by possessing 
the largest volume of brain m proportion to their size, and 
a corresponding degree of intelligence; the vocal organs 
present the highest degree of perfection to be found in the 
class, and several of the species are capable of imitating the 
sounds of the human voice: by the perfection of the foot 
it is adapted to the greatest variety of purposes, and the 
hind toe is always present, and always articulated on the 
same level or plane with the fore-toes. 
The birds included in this Order are again divided ; and 
those now about to be described belong to the division or 
tribe called Dentirostrres, on account of the distinct tooth 
or notch near the extremity of one or both of the man- 
dibles. 
The Great Grey Shrike, the largest of the British species 
of the genus Lanius, is only an occasional visitor to this 
country, and is generally obtained between autumn and 
spring. On two occasions it has been seen in Essex during 
summer, by observers who know this bird well; and also 
in Burnt-ash Lane, near Lee in Kent, by Mr. Gray; yet 
it has not, that I am aware, been ever known to breed 
here,—though the large size of the nest and the variable 
colour and markings of the eggs of the Red-backed Shrike 
have in some instances led to the belief that they belonged 
to the Great Shrike. A pair of Grey Shrikes were fre-- 
quently seen together in a fir plantation in Northumber- 
land in the spring of 1831; but on search being made later 
in the season, neither the birds nor any nest could be 
found, and by far the greater number of British killed spe- 
cimens have been obtained during the winter season. 
The Grey Shrike feeds upon mice, shrews, small birds, 
frogs, lizards, and large insects. After having killed its 
prey, it fixes the bedy in a forked branch, or upon a sharp 
thorn, the more readily to pull off small pieces from it. It 
