This species differs so little in appearance from the last that except for the snapping noise it is almost impossible to distinguish them unless held in the hand and compared. This species has rusty-coloured thighs, and these may serve to distinguish it from the last species.
It builds a nicely-woven ball-like nest, which is frequently attached to growing corn, and the parent birds sometimes have their work cut out in rearing up their brood before the crop is cut. Eggs greenish with red and brown blotches.
Found in N. India. At the Nilgiris this species meets the next.
[33]. Prinia Jerdoni: The Southern Wren-warbler. (F. 467), (J. 544), (-I.)
This is the South Indian form of No. 32, and has very much the same habits and appearance as the last species. (Illus. B. B., p. 103.)
The Shrikes, or Butcher Birds, 34-37
The shrikes form a well-marked family of birds. Their habit is to sit on an exposed perch and from thence pounce on to some insect on the ground. Thus their habits are like those of some birds of prey. Their hooked and notched beaks and the broad black band that runs from the base of the beak through the eye gives them a very sinister appearance. They have a variety of notes.
[34]. Lanius lahtora: The Indian Grey Shrike. (F. 469), (J. 256), (+II.)
Upper parts French grey; forehead black; broad black band from base of beak, through eye and down the side of the neck. Tail black and white; wings black with conspicuous white bar. Breast and lower plumage white.
Sind, Punjab, U. P., C. P., and Western Bengal.