RED-BACKED SHRIKE. 221 



nest, taken in Surrey, contains four eggs, whiter tlian usual in 

 the ground colour, and much larger in size, all measuring 

 above an inch in length ; these we are disposed to think are 

 very probably the eggs of the Grey Shrike ; but the fact of 

 their remaining in England to breed is not yet ascertained, 

 although it is very possible, as they are known to do so in 

 almost all the central parts of Europe. 



All the eggs of the Shrikes, whatever may be their colour, 

 retain, however, a peculiar character in their markings, and 

 cannot be mistaken for any other family. 



The nest of the Shrike is a very well built structure, 

 composed, externally, of green moss, roots, and dry grasses ; 

 next to these is an inner frame, or basket-work, of stout 

 grass-stalks, interwoven with wool, and the lining, in all 

 our specimens, is entirely composed of fine fibrous roots ; 

 we do not find the lining of hair that is usually attributed 

 to them. The nest, when complete, is both deep and 

 capacious, as well as firm and thick, and the upper edge, 

 or border, projects a little over the inside of the nest. The 

 nest now before us is bound round the edges with one of 

 the long trailing branches of a species of potentilla, that 

 grows in great abundance on some parts of the shingly 

 borders of the Thames. The nest is usually placed in a 

 hedge, or thorn bush ; but concealment does not appear to 

 be particularly sought for. 



The food of the Red-backed Shrike consists of frogs, 

 lizards, mice, and small birds ; also large insects, such as 

 grasshoppers, beetles, and dragon-flies. These last-men- 

 tioned insects sometimes afford considerable sport, and sell 

 their lives dearly, their peculiar flight affording great pro- 

 tection from their more powerful enemies. We once wit- 

 nessed a very prolonged chase, of which one of these insects 

 was the object, and, in all probability, it ultimately escaped 

 from its pursuer. Passing, one day early in September, 



