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.
[Illustration: THE FALCON SHRIKE (_Falcunculus frontatus_).]
* * * * *
The BUSH SHRIKES (_Malaconoti_) constitute a numerous group, inhabiting
Africa and India. These birds are distinguishable by their comparative
length of wing and shortness of tail; the formation of the latter varies
considerably in different species. The beak is long, slender, and but
slightly curved or incised; the tarsus high and weak. The thick plumage
is brilliant in its hues, and unusually developed on the lower portions
of the body. All the members of this family live either in pairs or small
parties, amidst the leafy tops of forest-trees, or in such districts
as are covered with a thick growth of brushwood. They feed exclusively
on insects, but with this exception we are almost entirely without
particulars as to their habits or mode of incubation.
[Illustration: THE FLUTE SHRIKE (_Laniarius Æthiopicus_).]
* * * * *
The FLUTE-VOICED SHRIKES (_Laniarius_) are recognisable by their elongate
body, short neck, head of medium size, and moderately long wing, in
which the fourth or fifth quills exceed the rest in length. The rather
long tail is rounded at its extremity; the beak is long, very decidedly
hooked, and but slightly incised. The tarsus is high, the toes powerful,
and armed with formidable claws.