THE LESSER GREY SHRIKE
Lanius minor, J. F. Gmelin
The main home of this species, of which only a few examples on migration have been taken in this country, is South and Central Europe as far west as the valley of the Rhone.
In habits it does not differ from its congeners, and is excessively savage and pugnacious, especially during the nesting season.
It roughly resembles the preceding species in plumage, but may be distinguished by its smaller size, black forehead, and the white bases to the tail feathers and primaries, which latter form a broad bar. An unfailing characteristic, however, of this species, distinguishing it from all other Shrikes, is the wing formula; the first or bastard primary being very short, while the second nearly equals the third and longest primary. Length 8·5 in.; wing 4·6 in.
THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE
Lanius collurio, Linnæus
Arriving during the early part of May, this species is fairly common in our southern and south-eastern counties and in Wales during the summer months. In the northern counties its appearances are irregular, and on one occasion only has it been seen in Ireland.
One can somehow feel but little affection for this fine but cruel bird; it is not his fault to be in that stage of evolution in which as an insect-feeder he aims at higher prey than that with which he is successfully able to deal. Bold and pugnacious, he sits on the top of some thick hawthorn hedge, dashing down from his point of observation on some mouse, bird, or lizard nearly as large as himself.
After a tussle the hapless victim is carried off and impaled on a thorn near its captor’s nest, to be eaten at a future time; it is these larders of impaled victims that have earned for him the name of Butcher Bird. Beetles, bees, and insects of all kinds are also included in his menu, and young half-fledged birds are considered a great delicacy.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE
Lanius collurio
Adult male, female, and young