SHRIKE. PASSERES. LANIUS. 143 
Rothriickiger Vurger, Meyer, Tasschenb. Deut. v. 1. p. 99. 
Red-backed Shrike, Br. Zool. 1. No. 72.—Arct. Zool. 2. No. 131.—Lewin’s 
Br. Birds, 1. t. 30.—Lath. Syn. 1. p. 167. 25.—Id. Supp. p. 52.—Mont. 
Ornith. Dict.—Jd. Supp.—FPult. Cat. Dorset. p. 4.—Bewick’s Br. Birds, 
1. p. 60.—Shaw’s Zool. v. 7. p. 315. 
The red-backed shrike is a regular periodical visitant iM periodical 
Britain, arriving in the spring, and commencing its equatorial Visitent- 
migration in September or October, as soon as the young 
birds have acquired sufficient strength to undertake the jour- 
ney. During its residence with us, it is but partially distri- 
buted, being confined principally to the southern and mid- 
land counties. 
It is common on the extensive Downs of Sussex, and the Locality. 
adjoining line of coast, particularly upon those which abound 
with furze and thorn-bushes. It is also well known in Wilt- 
shire and Gloucestershire, and I have seen it in different 
parts of Wales. It is occasionally met with im Cumberland, 
and the western parts of Yorkshire, where it has received the 
name of Flusher; but I have not been able to trace it far- 
ther to the north. Its habits are similar to the preceding 
species, and it pursues the same method, with respect to its 
prey, which is chiefly confined to insects, particularly those Food. 
of the coleopterous order. It forms a nest of moss, inter- Nest, &. 
mixed with wool and dry grass, lined with hair, in furze cr 
thorn bushes ; laying five or six eggs of a pinkish-white, with 
small spots of wood-brown, disposed like zones, chiefly at the 
larger end. The young birds, when nearly fledged, soon give 
notice of the place of their concealment, by becoming very 
clamorous upon any approach to the nest. The notes of this 
" species are varied, and its song is pleasing. 
Captain Mirrorp (whom I have before mentioned in this 
work) had an opportunity of observing the manners of these 
birds during the breeding-season, in the vicinity of Hastings 
in Sussex, where they abound ; and assures me that he never 
observed any particular hostility displayed by them towards 
the neighbouring smaller birds; and that he has found the 
nest of different species (Sylvia, ¢c.) within a very short dis- 
