SINGING BIRDS. 
1 62 
LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. 
Lanius ludovicianus. 
Char. Above, bluish ash, generally not much paler on rump ; under- 
parts pure white, rarely any lines of gray ; flanks tinged with gray ; 
forehead and side of head black ; wings and tail black tipped with white ; 
white patch on wings ; outer tail feathers white. Length 8}4 to 
inches. , , , , , r u j 
Distinguished from borealis by smaller size and by the black forehead 
and white under-parts. 
Nest. In a tree ; roughly made of twigs and grass, lined with leaves 
and feathers. , 
Eg^s. 4-6 ; dull gray with green tint spotted with lilac and brown : 
0.95 X 0.70. 
This species principally inhabits the warmer parts of the 
United States, residing and breeding from North Carolina to 
Florida, where I have observed it likewise in winter. It was 
also seen in the table-land of Mexico by that enterprising natu- 
ralist and collector, Mr. Bullock, and my friend Mr. T. Town- 
send found it in the Rocky Mountain range and in the territory 
of Oregon. According to Audubon it affects the low countries, 
being seldom met with in the mountainous districts. 
Its habits are shy and retiring, and it renders itself useful, 
and claims protection by destroying mice around the planta- 
tion, for which it sits and watches near the rice-stacks for 
hours together, seldom failing of its prey as soon as it appears. 
Like most of the genus, it is also well satisfied with large in- 
sects, crickets, and grasshoppers, which like the preceding 
species it often impales. In the breeding-season, according 
to Ur. Bachman, it has a song which bears some resemblance 
to that of the young Brown Thrush ; and though very irregular, 
the notes are not unpleasing. At other times its discordant 
call may almost be compared to the creaking of a sign-board 
in windy weather; it probably has also the usual talent for 
mimicry. The pairs mate about March, at which time the 
male frequently feeds the female, and shows great courage in 
defending his nest from the intrusion of other birds. The nest 
