Part 22

The GREY, or BLACK-BROWED SHRIKE (_Lanius minor_), is a beautiful species, from seven and a half to eight inches broad, and thirteen and a half to fourteen inches long. The upper part of the body is light grey, the under side quite white, with the exception of the breast, which is slightly tinged with pink; the brow and cheek-stripes are black, the base of the quills is white, and the remaining portion black; the four centre tail-feathers are black, the next in order white upon the lower half, with a dark spot upon the inner web, whilst those at the exterior are entirely pure white. The eye is brown, the beak black, and the foot grey. The female is exactly like her mate; but the young are dirty white upon the brow, and yellowish white, striped with grey, upon the under surface. The Black-browed Shrike is common in some parts of Europe, especially in Bavaria, Brandenburgh, the south of France, Italy, and Turkey; but is quite unknown or rarely seen in most other parts of the Continent. During its migrations it visits Central Africa; we ourselves have seen it in the Nile provinces as early as September, and have never observed it in Europe before May. According to Naumann, this species is by far the most lively and harmless member of its family; its flight is light and graceful, and its capacity for imitating the voice of almost any other bird unusually great. Its food consists exclusively of beetles, butterflies, grasshoppers, and other insects; it also devours larvæ and chrysalids in large quantities. When in pursuit of prey it shows great agility, and usually watches its victims in the same manner as its congeners; but, unlike them, it does not transfix its booty upon thorns previous to devouring it. The nest, formed of hay, straw, wool, hair, and feathers, is placed at the summit of a tree; the eggs, six or seven in number, are greenish white, marked with brownish or violet-grey spots and streaks. Both male and female co-operate in the work of incubation; the young are hatched within a fortnight; they are reared upon insects, and defended with much courage by their parents, who chase every feathered intruder to a distance, and will even venture down to confront a man, should he approach too near the little family. Large numbers, however, in spite of all their efforts, are destroyed by Hawks, Crows, and other formidable neighbours.

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The BUTCHER BIRDS PROPER (_Enneoctonus_) are very easily distinguishable from the above-mentioned groups by their short, strong, and slightly hooked beak, and by the variety of plumage observable in the male and female. This group contains two distinct species, of which we are about to describe the most generally known.

THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE, OR TRUE BUTCHER BIRD.

The RED-BACKED SHRIKE, or TRUE BUTCHER BIRD (_Enneoctonus-Lanius-collurio_), is light grey upon the head, nape, and wings; the mantle is reddish brown; the breast pale rose-pink; a black stripe passes above and beneath the eyes; the quills are of a brownish greyish black, with a light border; the base of each of the secondaries is decorated with a small spot, which, when the wing is extended, combine and form a well-defined line; the centre tail-feathers are brownish black; those next in order are white at the roots, whilst the exterior ones are almost entirely white, and tipped with black. The eye is brown, the beak black, and the foot greyish black. The female differs considerably from the male, her body being reddish grey above and of a whitish tint beneath, marked with undulating brown lines. The young resemble the father, but are spotted slightly upon the back. (See Coloured Plate XIV.) The length of this species is seven inches, and its breadth eleven and a half.

The Butcher Bird is met with in most countries of Europe, from Scandinavia, Russia, and some parts of Siberia, to the south of France and Greece. During its winter migrations it visits the forests of North-eastern Africa, and does not return to Europe until late in the spring. Trees and bushes are the situations it prefers when about to build, and it often makes its nest for years on the same spot, but should it be disturbed, it at once leaves not only the tree but the neighbourhood. In its habits it closely resembles other Shrikes, and in like manner consumes large quantities of insects. The Butcher Bird, however, often continues to kill, long after it has satisfied the cravings of hunger, and pursues small quadrupeds or birds so incessantly as to drive away or destroy all such as have been unfortunate enough to make their homes in its vicinity. This species is constantly in the habit of impaling its captives after they are dead upon thorns, and it is not uncommon to see the bodies of many victims thus secured until their destroyer has recovered his appetite: Naumann tells us that the brain appears to be regarded as the greatest delicacy, and is always eaten fresh. Should a Butcher Bird be disturbed whilst making its meal, it at once takes flight, and does not return. The nest, which is usually placed in a thorn bush, at no great distance from the ground, is large, thick, and carefully constructed of straw, hay, or moss, woven firmly and neatly together, and lined with delicate fibres or similar materials. The female, who broods but once in the year, lays five or six eggs (Fig. 4, Plate XVI.), of various sizes, shapes, and colours, more or less resembling those of other Shrikes; she alone performs the work of incubation, sitting on her nest with such devotion and care that she will allow herself to be captured rather than quit her post.

The Butcher Bird will frequently live for several years in captivity, and cannot fail to become a favourite, by reason of its wonderful power of imitating not only the voices of its feathered companions, but other sounds, for instance, such as the barking of a dog.

THE RED-HEADED SHRIKE, OR WOOD CHAT.

The RED-HEADED SHRIKE (_Enneoctonus-Phoneus-rufus_), or WOOD CHAT, as it is sometimes called, is seven inches long and eleven broad; the wing measures three and a half and the tail three inches. In the male, the upper portion of the body is black, the under surface yellowish white, the back of the head and nape are reddish brown, and the shoulders and rump white. The female resembles her mate. The plumage of the young is brownish grey, marked with crescent-shaped black spots; the wings and tail are brown; the eyes are dark brown; the beak blueish black, and the feet deep grey.

The Red-headed Shrike is very numerously met with in Southern Europe, where it not only frequents woodland districts, but settles in the immediate vicinity of houses. As winter approaches it leaves for warmer latitudes, and is very commonly seen in the forests of Central Africa, shortly after the rainy season. In its mode of life this species resembles the Butcher Bird, but it subsists principally upon insects, and only destroys small quadrupeds or birds when compelled to do so through lack of other food. The nest is placed upon a tree, and constructed of dry stalks or green plants, the interior being lined with moss and delicate fibres, feathers, hair, and wool. The five or six eggs that constitute a brood are laid in May; these have a greenish white shell, spotted with dark grey or brown. When caged, the Red-headed Shrike soon becomes an attractive companion, owing to its great facility for imitating the voice of almost any bird that it may hear.

THE MASKED SHRIKE.

The MASKED SHRIKE (_Enneoctonus personatus_) is of a blueish black upon the upper parts of the body; the breast is reddish yellow; the brow, shoulders, throat, and rump are white; the six centre tail-feathers are entirely black, and the two outer ones pure white, with a black shaft; the rest are a mixture of black and white. The eye is brown, the beak and feet black. This species, according to Lindmayer, appears in Greece at the beginning of May, and leaves again in the middle of August. It is also met with in large numbers in Egypt and Nubia, remaining in the latter countries throughout the entire year; whilst such individuals as migrate from Europe penetrate as far as the interior of Africa, and remain there during the winter season. Unlike other members of its family, it perches upon lofty trees, from the summit of which its clear but monotonous voice is constantly to be heard. The nest, which is small and delicately constructed, usually contains six or seven eggs of a yellow hue, spotted with yellowish brown. This species subsists entirely upon insect diet.

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The THICK-HEADED SHRIKES (_Pachycephali_) are recognisable by their compact body, powerful head, strong beak, short wings and tail, and powerful feet. All the species belonging to this group are met with in New Holland and the islands of the Pacific, where they perch upon the summits of lofty trees, and climb about among the branches, with the alacrity of Titmice. Insects constitute their principal nourishment; they also devour large quantities of caterpillars and worms. Their movements are slow and their gait heavy. Their song varies according to the species, some having loud but agreeable voices, whilst others utter a prolonged piping note, varied and repeated in a very peculiar manner. The nest is round, beautifully constructed, and generally placed upon the branches or in a hole of some tree; it usually contains four eggs.

THE FALCON SHRIKE.

The _Falcon Shrike_ (_Falcunculus frontatus_), a member of the group above described, is a powerfully-formed and prettily-marked bird of about six inches in length: the beak resembles that of a Falcon, but neither the hook nor tooth-like appendages are well developed. In both sexes the mantle is olive-green, and the under surface bright yellow; the sides of the head are white, and marked by a broad black line that passes from the nape across the eyes and over the brow; the crest and throat are black; the exterior and secondary quills blackish brown, broadly bordered with grey; the tail is similarly coloured, but tipped with white. The eye is reddish brown; the beak black, and the foot blueish grey. The female is smaller than her mate, and of a brighter hue upon the throat. We learn from Gould that this bird is found in New South Wales and Australia, where it alike frequents thick bushes and such trees as grow upon the open plains; it subsists chiefly upon insects, which are obtained among the foliage or under the bark of the larger branches, or trunks of the trees. In procuring these it displays great dexterity, stripping off the bark in the most determined manner, for which purpose its powerful bill is most admirably adapted. The same author says, "It is very animated and sprightly in its actions, and in its habits closely resembles the Tits, particularly in the manner in which it clings to and climbs among the branches in search of food. While thus employed it frequently erects its crest, and assumes many pert and lively positions. No bird of the same size, with which I am acquainted, possesses greater strength in its mandibles, or is capable of inflicting severer wounds, as I experienced on handling one I had previously winged, and which fastened on my hand in the most ferocious manner. As far as I am aware, the _Falcunculus frontatus_ is not distinguished by any powers of song; it merely utters a few low, piping notes. I could neither succeed in securing the nest of this species, nor obtain any authentic information respecting its nidification." The stomachs of the specimens dissected by Gould were filled with the larvæ of insects and berries.

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The BUSH SHRIKES (_Malaconoti_) constitute a numerous group, inhabiting Africa and India. These birds are distinguishable by their comparative length of wing and shortness of tail; the formation of the latter varies considerably in different species. The beak is long, slender, and but slightly curved or incised; the tarsus high and weak. The thick plumage is brilliant in its hues, and unusually developed on the lower portions of the body. All the members of this family live either in pairs or small parties, amidst the leafy tops of forest-trees, or in such districts as are covered with a thick growth of brushwood. They feed exclusively on insects, but with this exception we are almost entirely without particulars as to their habits or mode of incubation.

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The FLUTE-VOICED SHRIKES (_Laniarius_) are recognisable by their elongate body, short neck, head of medium size, and moderately long wing, in which the fourth or fifth quills exceed the rest in length. The rather long tail is rounded at its extremity; the beak is long, very decidedly hooked, and but slightly incised. The tarsus is high, the toes powerful, and armed with formidable claws.

THE SCARLET SHRIKE.

The SCARLET SHRIKE (_Laniarius erythrogaster_), a species inhabiting Eastern Africa, and replaced in the western and southern portions of that continent by a somewhat similar species (the _Laniarius barbarus_), is of an uniform glossy black on the upper portion of the body; the under side, with the exception of the brownish yellow hump, is of a brilliant scarlet; the eye is yellow, beak black, and foot lead-grey. The length of this bird is nine, and its breadth thirteen inches; the wing measures four and the tail three inches and a half. The plumage of the _Laniarius barbarus_ is exactly similar, if we except a dull yellow patch upon the top of its head.

THE FLUTE SHRIKE.

The FLUTE SHRIKE (_Laniarius Æthiopicus_) is entirely black upon the upper parts of the body, except a white line upon the wings; the under side is pure white, shaded here and there with rose-red; the eye is reddish brown, the beak black, and the foot blueish grey. The length of its body is nine and a half, and breadth twelve inches and one-third; the wing measures four, and the tail three and three-quarter inches.

Like other members of this group the two species above described lead a very retired life among the sheltering branches of their favourite trees, from whence their most strange and very monotonous song is to be heard almost incessantly throughout the day.

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The HOODED SHRIKES are easily distinguishable from the last-mentioned group by their comparatively long, graduated tails, short wings, in which the fourth quill exceeds the rest in length, and remarkably long tarsi.

It is at present uncertain if all the species of Shrikes inhabiting Western and Eastern Africa can be included in this group. The coloration of their plumage is almost identical, and in their habits they closely resemble each other, but considerable variety is observable in their size. All make their homes amidst such thick brushwood as grows close to the ground, and they never seek the shelter of the trees except when very closely pursued. If driven from their favourite lurking-places amongst the bushes and long grass, they fly with rapid strokes of the wing to the nearest shelter, keeping close to the earth as they hurry along, but occasionally hovering for a few moments before concealing themselves. Whilst in search of insects, they run upon the ground with a rapidity and ease far exceeding the powers of any other members of their family.

Except the facts that these birds associate in small parties during the period of incubation, and live alone or in pairs at other seasons, we are without particulars as to their nidification and breeding, and have been unable personally to observe their habits.

THE TSCHAGRA.

The TSCHAGRA (_Telephonus erythropterus_)--the species we have selected for description--is brownish grey upon the upper part of the body, and light grey beneath. A broad black line passes over the head, and another, somewhat narrower, crosses the region of the eye. These lines are separated by a light streak, which is white upon the face, but becomes of a yellow tinge towards the sides. The outer web of the quills is grey, but is so broadly bordered with reddish brown that when the wings are closed they appear to be almost entirely of the latter hue. The upper secondaries are edged with reddish grey; the two centre tail-feathers are grey, marked with dark stripes; the rest are black, tipped with white, those of the exterior have also a light border to the outer web. The eye is reddish brown, the beak black, and the feet lead-colour, with a greenish shade. In length the Tschagra does not exceed eight inches, its breadth is ten inches, the wing measures three inches and the tail three and a half. It is, at present, uncertain whether the very similar birds inhabiting Eastern and Western Africa are identical with this species. In colour they are closely alike, but differ somewhat in size.

THE HELMET SHRIKE.

The HELMET SHRIKE (_Prionops poliocephalus_ or _Prionops cristatus_) is easily recognisable by the remarkable plume, composed of stiff, hairy feathers, with which the head is decorated. Some of these hairy feathers cover the nostrils and base of the beak, and incline forwards, whilst the rest rise directly from the top of the head, and combining, form a crest that in shape resembles the upper part of a helmet. The eyelids are brightly coloured, and in texture similar to the cere with which our readers have become familiar in the Raptores. The wings, in which the third quill exceeds the rest in length, although of considerable size, do not cover more than a third of the very long and rounded tail; the tarsi are short, and the toes long. The plumage is soft, thick, and very simply coloured; the mantle-quills and a large portion of the tail are black; the crest, head, nape, and entire under surface white. An indistinct yellowish line passes over the back of the head. The inner web and tips of the primary quills, the tips of the secondaries and the exterior tail-feathers are white; the rest are tinted with a mixture of black and white, in which the former predominates. The eye is pearl-grey, and its lid bright orange, the feet cinnabar-red, and the beak black. Heuglin tells us that the crest of the young bird is short, and shaded with grey. The length of this species is eight and its breadth thirteen inches; the wing measures four inches and a half and the tail thirteen and a half. Rüppell found large flocks of Helmet Shrikes inhabiting the valleys on the Abyssinian coast, where they lived, like their congeners, in low bushes, and subsisted upon insects. Nevertheless, this writer states that he never saw them again in his travels through other parts of that country. We ourselves were, on one occasion, fortunate enough to see a considerable party of these remarkable-looking birds in the forests near the Blue Nile. Such slight observations as we were able to make would seem to indicate that their mode of life is very similar to that of the last-mentioned group. Heuglin only met with this species during the rainy season, and therefore concludes that it is of migratory habits.

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The RAVEN SHRIKES (_Thamnophili_) constitute a very peculiar group inhabiting South America, Africa, and New Holland, closely allied to the Shrikes, though differing from them in so many particulars that ornithologists are as yet at variance respecting their classification, founding their difference of opinion upon the peculiar construction of the singing apparatus observable in some species. These birds are for the most part of moderate size, with powerfully constructed bodies; their wings are either of medium length, or short and much rounded, whilst the tail is subject to many varieties of form; the tarsi, which are usually long and slender, always exceed the centre toe in length, this latter is united with the exterior toe as far as the first joint, whilst on the inner side the toes are entirely unconnected. The elongate beak, which is always more or less straight at its culmen, curves abruptly towards its tip, where it exhibits tooth-like appendages. The margins of the bill are sharp and compressed; the plumage of some species is rich, soft, and in many instances striking in appearance, owing to the long and almost wool-like feathers upon the back; the base of the beak is usually surrounded by a growth of bristles.

We are entirely without particulars as to the life and habits of several members of this group, and must therefore avoid any _general_ description.

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The CROW SHRIKES (_Cracticus_), according to Gould, who first described them, closely resemble the Piping Crows in appearance.

THE MAGPIE SHRIKE.

The MAGPIE SHRIKE (_Cracticus destructor_), the most numerous representative of this section, is of a deep greyish brown upon the upper part of the body; the wings are blackish brown; the top of the head and nape black; the rump is white, the under side greyish white, and a white spot lies between the eyes and the base of the beak. The quills are blackish brown, with a white edge to the outer web of the secondaries; the tail-feathers are black, and, except the two centre ones, are tipped with white. The eye is dark reddish brown; the beak is grey at its base, and black towards the tip; the feet are deep grey. The female has darker markings than her mate, and the young are spotted with brown and reddish yellow. The length of this species is about thirteen inches and a half.

Gould tells us that the Magpie Shrikes are found extensively throughout Australia, where they inhabit the brushwood extending from the coast to the mountain tracts; and, despite their habit of perching almost motionless on the branches whilst on the watch for prey, their presence is speedily announced to the traveller by the constant repetition of their extraordinarily harsh and unpleasing cry. The larger kinds of insects or small birds constitute their principal food; upon these they dart with direct aim, and after killing their prey, return with it to the perch they have just quitted, usually spitting the victim upon a thorn or pointed twig, after the manner of the Butcher Bird, before devouring it. Gould tells us that this species is very daring, even when brought in contact with man, and mentions an instance in which he was followed for more than an hour by a hungry Magpie Shrike, it having discovered that a small bird was imprisoned in his hunting-pouch. The breeding season commences in September; the nest is large, and neatly constructed of fine twigs, lined with small shoots and delicate fibres. The brood consists of four eggs, with a deep yellowish brown shell, marked with dark spots and tracings of various shades, which frequently take the form of a wreath at the broad end.

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