NORTHERN SHRIKE. 
621. Lanius borealis. 10 inches. 
One of the largest of the family in the United States, the 
breast being barred with wavy lines of gray above the paler 
gray, with the wings and tail having much white, showing 
especially in flight. They are bold birds; carnivorous in their 
habits, living upon other small birds, insects and small rodents. 
In winter they have been known frequently to live about 
cities, catching the English Sparrows in the parks and city 
streets. They tear their food to pieces with their bill, 
which is shaped similar to that of a hawk’s, while their feet 
are small and weak, not at all resembling the hawk’s feet. 
Their nests are placed in thickets or thorny bushes, and are 
made of shreds of vines, grasses and plant down. Four to six 
grayish white eggs are laid, these being spotted and blotched 
with shades of brown (1.05x.75). 
CALIFORNIA SHRIKE. 
622b. Lanius ludovicianus gambeli. 8 inches. 
In size the same as the White-rumped Shrike, and in habits 
and general appearance much the same, being somewhat darker, 
more on the under parts and sides. Eggs similar but smaller. 
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