The Butcher-Bird, or Shrike. 217 
hooked at the end, is more than an inch and a half long. 
There is a circle or wreath of white, soft, and downy 
feathers, encompassed with yellow ones, beginning from 
the nostrils on each side, passing round the eye and 
under the chin, somewhat resembling the hood that 
women used to wear; so that the eyes appear to be sunk 
in the middle of the feathers, and only the tip of the 
beak projects from them. The breast and feathers of 
the inside of the wings are white, and marked with a 
few dark spots ; the upper parts of the body are of a fine 
pale yellow colour, variegated with black and white spots. 
The legs are covered with a thick down to the feet, but 
the toes have only thin-set hairs around them. 
In ancient mythology, another common species, the 
Brown Owl (Syrnium aluco), was consecrated to Minerva, 
the goddess of wisdom ; in allusion to the lucubrations 
of wise men, who study in retirement and during the 
night. 
" Now the Hermit Owlet peeps 
From the barn, or twisted brake; 
And the blue mist slowly creeps, 
Curling on the silver lake." 
Cunningham. 
§ III. — Insessores, or Perching Birds. 
THE BUTCHER-BIRD, OR SHRIKE. 
(Lanius excubitor.) 
The Great Butcher-bird, or Shrike, is about as large as 
a, thrush ; its bill is black, an inch long, and hooked at the 
