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.
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.
THE FALCON SHRIKE (Falcunculus frontatus).