THE WOODCHAT. 

 Lanius pomeranus, Sparrman. 

 Plate 13. 



Over forty examples of this Shrike have been recorded in the British Islands, 

 most frequently in the south-eastern parts of England. 



It is not uncommon in France and Germany, becoming abundant in Spain and 

 other portions of Southern Europe, and winters in Africa. 



The nest, constructed of grass and other herbage, is conspicuously placed on a 

 branch or in a fork, usually not far from the ground, and contains about five eggs. 

 These are very like those of the Red-backed Shrike, but the red variety is not often 

 met with. 



The Woodchat is by no means shy or wary, and its strongly-contrasted colours 

 make it conspicuous, as it sits on some exposed branch in a tree. 



Like the other Shrikes, it has a harsh call-note, but the song is low and pleasing. 



The female is not so brightly coloured as the male, the upper parts, which are 

 black in the latter, being brown tinged with reddish. 



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