The FLUTE SHRIKE (_Laniarius Æthiopicus_) is entirely black upon the
upper parts of the body, except a white line upon the wings; the under
side is pure white, shaded here and there with rose-red; the eye is
reddish brown, the beak black, and the foot blueish grey. The length of
its body is nine and a half, and breadth twelve inches and one-third; the
wing measures four, and the tail three and three-quarter inches.
Like other members of this group the two species above described lead a
very retired life among the sheltering branches of their favourite trees,
from whence their most strange and very monotonous song is to be heard
almost incessantly throughout the day.
* * * * *
The HOODED SHRIKES are easily distinguishable from the last-mentioned
group by their comparatively long, graduated tails, short wings, in which
the fourth quill exceeds the rest in length, and remarkably long tarsi.
It is at present uncertain if all the species of Shrikes inhabiting
Western and Eastern Africa can be included in this group. The coloration
of their plumage is almost identical, and in their habits they closely
resemble each other, but considerable variety is observable in their
size. All make their homes amidst such thick brushwood as grows close to
the ground, and they never seek the shelter of the trees except when very
closely pursued. If driven from their favourite lurking-places amongst
the bushes and long grass, they fly with rapid strokes of the wing to
the nearest shelter, keeping close to the earth as they hurry along, but
occasionally hovering for a few moments before concealing themselves.
Whilst in search of insects, they run upon the ground with a rapidity and
ease far exceeding the powers of any other members of their family.
Except the facts that these birds associate in small parties during the
period of incubation, and live alone or in pairs at other seasons, we are
without particulars as to their nidification and breeding, and have been
unable personally to observe their habits.