GREAT GREY SHRIKE .—Lanins excubitor . 
We now arrive at the family of Shrikes, or Butcher Birds, whose 
character is given in the names by which they are distinguished. These birds 
are found in all parts of the globe, and in all countries are celebrated for their 
savage character. They are quite as rapacious as any of the hawk tribe, and in 
proportion to their size are much more destructive and bloodthirsty. They feed 
upon small mammalia, and birds of various kinds, especially preferring them while 
young and still unfledged, and upon several kinds of reptiles, and also find great 
part of their subsistence among the members of the insect world. 
Of the true Shrikes we find an excellent example in the well-known Great 
Grey Shrike, a bird which is very common in many parts of Europe, especially 
in the more southern and warmer regions, but is generally scarce in England, 
visiting us, whenever it does make its appearance, in the winter season. 
This bird eats mice, shrews, small or young birds, frogs, lizards, beetles, grass- 
hoppers, and many other creatures. 
117 
