276 RED-BACKED SHRIKE. Class IL 



terior webs of the outmost feather on each side 

 Female, wholl}'^ SO. Ill the female the stroke across the 

 eyes is of a reddish bro^vn ; the head of a dull 

 rust color mixed with grey; the breast, belly 

 and sides of a dirty white, marked with semi- 

 circular dusky lines. The tail is of a deep 

 brown; the outward feather on each side ex- 

 cepted, whose exterior webs are white. 



These birds build their nests in low bushes, 

 and lay six eggs of a white color, but encircled 

 at the bio;o;er end witli a rino; of brownish red. 



They arrive in Italy in Apinl, go away in 

 September ; visit England in Jllai/ and depart 

 in Septe?nber. 



" The Red-backed Shrike inhabits various 

 parts of the old continent, also the Cape of 

 Good Hope and India.'' J. L. 



