NORTHERN SHRIKE. 
BUTCHER BIRD. 
Lantus borealis. 
Char. Above, bluish ash, paler on rump ; under parts dull white, wit 
fine wavy lines of brownish gray; bar on side of head black; wings and 
tail black tipped with white; white patch on wing; outer tail featheis 
white. Length 9!^ to inches. r 1 1 
A'est. In a tree or low bush ; large and roughly made of sticks and 
grass, lined with leaves or feathers. . , 
4-6 ; dull gray with green tint, spotted with lilap and brown ; 
I -OS X 0.75. 
This little wary Northern hunter is most commonly seen in 
this part of the continent at the commencement of winter, a 
few remaining with us throughout that season. They extend 
their wanderings, according to Audubon, as far as Natchez, 
and are not uncommon in Kentucky in severe winters. In 
March they retire to the North, though some take up their 
summer abode in the thickest forests in Pennsylvania and New 
England. The nest is said to be large and compact, in the 
fork of a small tree, and sometimes in an apple-tree, composed 
externally of dried grass, with whitish moss, and well lined with 
feathers. The eggs are about 6 , of a pale cinereous white, 
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