_Lanius borealis. Case 2, Fig. 56_
Larger than the Migrant and Loggerhead Shrikes
with a grayish, not black, forehead and a lightly
barred, not plain white breast. L. 10-1/4.
_Range._ Nests in Canada, winters south to Texas
and Virginia.
Washington, rare and irregular W.V., Oct.-Feb.
Ossining, tolerably common W.V., Oct. 26-Apl. 17.
Cambridge, common W.V., Nov. 1-Apl. 1. N. Ohio,
not common W.V., Nov. 6-Apl. 3. Glen Ellyn, not
common W.V., Oct. 24-June 5. SE. Minn., common
W.V., Oct. 17-Mch. 28.
A grim, gray bird that comes out of the far North in the fall. His
mission is death to birds and mice and he makes no attempt to disguise
it but boldly advertises his presence by perching where he may be seen
as well as see. Mice he can plunge on, but Sparrows, Siskins or Redpolls
he may have to pursue on the wing, following every twist and turn until
he reaches striking distance. Slowly he bears his victim, in his feet,
to some tree there to hang it on thorn or in crotch from which it may be
devoured at leisure. An executioner by birth, the Shrike or "Butcher
Bird" evidently pursues his calling with no regrets and when spring
time approaches adds his voice to the chorus of bird song.