are generally stout, though the tarsi are comparatively short, 

 enabling them to hop and clamber about the extreme twigs of trees, 

 where they feed on insects, buds, and fruit. 



The bill is generally stout, often somewhat conic, but very much 

 varied, as in many other large groups. 



Fam. LANiADiE, Shrikes. 



Bill strong, short, or of moderate length, notched or toothed at 

 the tip ; gape rather wide, with rictal bristles ; tarsus short, strong, 

 usually with large scutaa in front and on the toes. 



Shrikes are divided into several sub-families, with well marked 

 characteristics of structure and habits. Those adopted in the 

 present work are as follow : — 



1st. — LaniancB. — True Shrikes, with the strongest bills. Seize 

 their prey on the ground ; and are chiefly from tlie Old World. 



2nd. — Malaconotijice. — Bush Shrikes, with longer beaks. Seize 

 insects on leaves and branches, occasionally in the air. India, Africa, 

 and perhaps Australia. 



Zrd. — Dicrurince. — Drongo Shrikes, with the bill long and some- 

 what depressed, long forked tails, and glossy black plumage. Seize 

 their insect-prey in the air, or upon the ground, or on trees. Africa, 

 India, to Australia. 



4th. — Artamina. — Swallow Shrikes, with moderate or stout bills, 

 barely hooked, long wings, and short tails. Hunt for insects in the 

 air, like Swallows. From India, Madagascar, and Australia. 



5th. — Campephaginae. — Cuckoo Shrikes, with the bill rather 

 wide at the base, very slightly hooked. Seek for insects on 

 branches and leaves. Africa, India, and Australia. 



Besides these sub-families, there are the ThamnophilincB of 

 America : and perhaps some of the larger Tyrannince of the New 

 World should rather be placed with the Shrikes, than with the 

 Fly-catchers. 



Gray has only two sub-families of Shrikes, Laniin(B, in which 

 he distributes our first two sub-families, and ThamnophUin<s ; 

 the other Shrikes being placed under his Ampelidce. 



