HAW KING— PART II. 
THE GREAT SHRIKE, OR BUTCHER-BIRD. 
There are several reasons why mention should be made of 
these singular birds in connection with hawks and hawking. 
Their strong hooked bill and curved claws give them a very 
marked resemblance to the falcons, with which, moreover, not a 
few of their habits bear comparison. They not only attack and 
swallow insects, worms, &c., but without hesitation fall on 
and devour any small bird that may fall in their way. Nor 
is its carnivorous habit to be checked by confinement. Bech- 
stein relates that he kept a bird of this family caged, and that 
though amply supplied with dead birds and insects, it refused 
to be comforted or to appease its hunger. “ On the fourth day 
I set him at liberty in the room, supposing him too weak to 
hurt the other birds, and thinking that he would become 
better accustomed to his new food if he were left at liberty. 
No sooner was he set free than he seized a hedge-sparrow 
before I had time to save it. I let him eat it, and then put 
him back into his cage. From this time, as if his fury was 
satisfied, he ate all that was placed before him.” 
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