The nest of this and of the other species of butcher bird is a deep cup, placed usually in a thorny tree, often close up against the trunk. Not infrequently bits of rag hang down from the nest and serve to locate its whereabouts. The eggs have a stone-coloured background with brownish blotches, which often form a ring near the large end. (Illus. B. B., p. 70; also F. I., p. 454.)
[35]. Lanius vittatus: The Bay-backed Shrike. (F. 473), (J. 260), (-II.)
Forehead and broad band through the eye black. Head pale grey, back maroon, rump white; wings black with a white bar, which is conspicuous during flight. Tail black and white, median feathers black, outer ones white; lower parts white with a reddish-yellow tinge on the breast.
[36]. Lanius erythronotus: The Rufous-backed Shrike. (F. 476), (J. 257), (+II.)
Although larger than the last species, this bird is very like it in colouring. It may, however, be distinguished by the fact that it has no white in the tail. The rump is the same colour as the lower back and not white as in 35.
[37]. Lanius cristatus: The Brown Shrike. (F. 481), (J. 261), (-II.)
This species is distinguishable from the above three shrikes by the fact that it lacks the white wing bar which makes the others so conspicuous during flight. A reddish-brown bird with white cheeks and throat and a whitish eyebrow.
Unlike the other butcher birds this species is merely a winter visitor to India. It spreads itself over all parts of the country save the N.W. F. P. and the Punjab. (A few individuals are said to remain in India to nest.)
It has a harsh chattering note, which it utters incessantly. It is regarded in Calcutta as the herald of the cold weather. (Illus. G. B., p. 16.)
[38]. Tephrodornis pondicerianus: The Common Woodshrike. (F. 488), (J. 265), (+I.)