ASH-COLOURED SHRIKE. 217 



shot of these birds, although every attempt was made that we 

 could devise. In the autumn of 1840 we again saw one of 

 this species near Pains Hill in the same county, in a birch- 

 tree by the road-side. From the momentary observations we 

 could make, it seemed to be very restless, and not long in one 

 position. The beautiful grey of the upper plumage in this 

 species is well set off by the black wings and tail, and the 

 black band through the eye, by which they are rendered very 

 conspicuous objects, and their spread tail, when on the ground, 

 looks exceedingly majestic. 



This bird is the most daring of its size, and it is said that 

 he does not even allow one of the eagle tribe to fly by his 

 roosting-place without pursuing him with cries and menaces. 

 During the breeding time he will not permit a rook or crow 

 to approach his nest. When on the wing, this Shrike does 

 not fly rapidly, although with very quick motion of the wings, 

 and proceeds in the same manner as the chaffinches. The 

 call of this bird sounds like the words shack, shack ! and 

 truewee, is one of its spi'ing notes. It is also said to sing 

 very pleasingly a sort of warbling song. 



This bird also utters a cry of distress, to induce some other 

 bird from curiosity to come within its reach, for the purpose 

 of catching it. 



The Ash-coloured Shrike is easily tamed, even when taken 

 in an adult state, and may be taught to catch small birds. 

 When caged, they must be placed alone, or they would infal- 

 libly devour their neighbours. 



The food of the Ash-coloured Shrike consists of beetles, 

 grasshoppers, small frogs, birds, and mice, the latter of which 

 constitute almost entirely its winter food. 



Although he consumes many a small bird, they seem to 

 be very little afraid of him ; where the Shrike is more plen- 

 tiful than with us, he has been seen among a flock of sparrows 

 basking in the sun, and it seemed as if the sparrows had no 



