3 
southern part of the Province of Algiers. Our friend Dr. L. Taczanowski writes to us that it is 
common throughout the winter in the deserts of Algeria and on the southern slopes of the 
Atlas, in which latter locality it replaces L. algeriensis. Further notes on the present species 
will be found below from the pen of our friend Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun. The late Mr. W. T. 
Chambers noticed the species in Tripoli, where it was breeding. 
Captain Shelley writes:—“<This Shrike is not uncommon in Egypt and Nubia, where it 
remains throughout the year.” Mr. E. C. Taylor also procured it in the winter in Upper Egypt, 
but states that he never heard of its occurrence in the Delta. In the great work by Drs. Finsch and 
Hartlaub, on the birds of Eastern Africa, a full account is given of the species in the Ethiopian 
Region. “‘ Hemprich and Ehrenberg procured it in Nubia; the Shrike referred to by Riippell 
as J. minor, from the Island of Dahalak, on the Red Sea, must be referred to this species, as 
Von Heuglin found it there in June breeding. Baron von der Decken procured it on the Island 
of Agig, at Tadjura, and on the Adail coast, in the Somali country; and Daubeny at Mokolla, on 
the Abyssinian coast. Heuglin found it common on the islands and cliffs in the lower part of the 
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, most numerous on Dahalik, often on rocky islands where there was 
scarcely a sign of vegetation.” Mr. W.'T. Blanford observes:—“ It was abundant on the shores 
of Annesley Bay in January and February. It is evidently migratory there, for it had disappeared 
in May. I again cbtained specimens near Massowa in August.” 
Mr. Jesse, who obtained during the Abyssinian expedition the specimens of L. fallax, which, 
as we have above stated, are only the young L. /ahtora, gives the following note concerning the 
species :—‘ I procured four specimens, all more or less moulting: three were from Rairo, the 
fourth was shot a few miles from Ain, on the plain towards Mai Wallet. I believe I shot two 
specimens of this Shrike at Koomaylee, but was too unwell to preserve them; this was in the 
middle of March.” 
In Palestine Canon Tristram says it is the commonest Shrike, and “resides all the year in 
every part of the country.” De Filippi met with it in Persia; and we have ourselves seen several 
specimens from Central Asia. By Jerdon we are informed that “it is spread throughout the 
greater part of India, but is not found in the damp provinces, nor in Lower Bengal.” Major 
Irby states that it was occasionally noticed by him in Oudh and Kumaon; and the late Captain 
Beavan writes:—‘ This species is particularly abundant about Umballah, where I procured 
several fine examples about the station in October 1866.” In Maunbhoom it was found by the 
same observer to be rare. Through the kindness of our friend Mr. Swinhoe we have also been 
able to examine some specimens from Amoorland, thus showing the very extended range enjoyed 
by this species. 
Respecting the Pallid Shrike in Algeria, Dr. Taczanowski says that in its habits it much 
resembles Lanius excubitor, but is far less wild, but like that species impales large insects on 
thorn-bushes. Loche writes as follows :—‘‘ It frequents the oasis, is insectivorous, but does not 
disdain small birds, when it can get them; its flight is undulating and not strong, its note flute- 
like and pleasant, and generally uttered from the top of a palm. This species is met with singly 
or in parties of four or five individuals; it is shy and wild. Its nest is placed on a tree or bush, 
and is constructed of roots, fine twigs, well built, and carefully lined. ‘The female deposits four 
or five eggs, pale whitish, covered with reddish-brown spots, and measuring 27 by 21 millims. 
38 
9? 
ed) 
