THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE. 

 Lanius collurio, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 13. 



The Red-backed Shrike is a regular summer visitor in England, arriving in 

 May, being rather unevenly distributed over the central and southern counties, 

 and is not uncommon in Wales. It is rare in Scotland, and has only thrice 

 occurred in Ireland. 



The nest, which is rather large, is composed of roots, stout grass-stalks, and 

 moss, and lined with wool and hair. It may be sought for in some thick thorn- 

 hedge or bush, and contains from four to six eggs ; these vary in colour, being often 

 greenish-grey, blotched with brown, or with the ground colour salmon-pink, with 

 purplish and red markings. 



The Red-backed Shrike feeds on various beetles, humble-bees, grasshoppers, 

 and other insects ; often on mice and small birds, and, like the other Shrikes, 

 frequently fixes its prey on a thorn, before tearing it to pieces. 



It usually takes up its station on an exposed branch or twig in a tall hedge or 

 bush, watching with sharp eyes any passing quarry and darting after it in pursuit. 

 While perched it frequently flirts its tail from side to side, and upwards and down- 

 wards, at the same time spreading and closing the feathers. 



When crossing a field from one high thorn fence to another, the Red-backed 

 Shrike will fly in a straight course, not far from the ground, and on arriving at the 

 opposite hedge, darts suddenly upwards to the topmost branches. 



The alarm-note is harsh, but the song is not unpleasing. 



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