l62 SINGING BIRDS. 



LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. 



Lanius ludovicianus. 



Char. Above, bluish ash, generally not much paler on rump ; under- 

 parts pure white, rarely any lines of gray; flanks tinged with gray; 

 forehead and side of head black ; wings and tail black tipped with white ; 

 white patch on wings ; outer tail feathers white. Length 8^ to ^ji 

 inches. 



Distinguished from borealis by smaller size and by the black forehead 

 and white under-parts. 



Nest. In a tree ; roughly made of twigs and grass, lined with leaves 

 and feathers. 



Eggs. 4-6 ; dull gray with green tint spotted with lilac and brown ; 

 0-95 X 0.70. 



This species principally inhabits the warmer part^ of the 

 United States, residing and breeding from North CaroUna to 

 Florida, where I have observed it likewise in winter. It was 

 also seen in the table-land of Mexico by that enterprising natu- 

 ralist and collector, Mr. Bullock, and my friend Mr. T. Town- 

 send found it in the Rocky Mountain range and in the territory 

 of Oregon. According to Audubon it affects the low countries, 

 being seldom met with in the mountainous districts. 



Its habits are- shy and retiring, and it renders itself useful, 

 and claims protection by destroying mice around the planta- 

 tion, for which it sits and watches near the rice-stacks for 

 hours together, seldom failing of its prey as soon as it appears. 

 Like most of the genus, it is also well satisfied with large in- 

 sects, crickets, and grasshoppers, which like the preceding 

 species it often impales. In the breeding-season, according 

 to Dr. Bachman, it has a song which bears some resemblance 

 to that of the young Brown Thrush ; and though very irregular, 

 the notes are not unpleasing. At other times its discordant 

 call may almost be compared to the creaking of a sign-board 

 in windy weather; it probably has also the usual talent for 

 mimicry. The pairs mate about March, at which time the 

 male frequently feeds the female, and shows great courage in 

 defending his nest from the intrusion of other birds. The nest 



