The MAGPIE SHRIKE (_Cracticus destructor_), the most numerous
representative of this section, is of a deep greyish brown upon the upper
part of the body; the wings are blackish brown; the top of the head
and nape black; the rump is white, the under side greyish white, and a
white spot lies between the eyes and the base of the beak. The quills are
blackish brown, with a white edge to the outer web of the secondaries;
the tail-feathers are black, and, except the two centre ones, are tipped
with white. The eye is dark reddish brown; the beak is grey at its base,
and black towards the tip; the feet are deep grey. The female has darker
markings than her mate, and the young are spotted with brown and reddish
yellow. The length of this species is about thirteen inches and a half.
[Illustration: THE HELMET SHRIKE (_Prionaps poliocephalus_).]
Gould tells us that the Magpie Shrikes are found extensively throughout
Australia, where they inhabit the brushwood extending from the coast
to the mountain tracts; and, despite their habit of perching almost
motionless on the branches whilst on the watch for prey, their presence
is speedily announced to the traveller by the constant repetition of
their extraordinarily harsh and unpleasing cry. The larger kinds of
insects or small birds constitute their principal food; upon these they
dart with direct aim, and after killing their prey, return with it to the
perch they have just quitted, usually spitting the victim upon a thorn
or pointed twig, after the manner of the Butcher Bird, before devouring
it. Gould tells us that this species is very daring, even when brought in
contact with man, and mentions an instance in which he was followed for
more than an hour by a hungry Magpie Shrike, it having discovered that
a small bird was imprisoned in his hunting-pouch. The breeding season
commences in September; the nest is large, and neatly constructed of fine
twigs, lined with small shoots and delicate fibres. The brood consists of
four eggs, with a deep yellowish brown shell, marked with dark spots and
tracings of various shades, which frequently take the form of a wreath at
the broad end.
* * * * *
The RAVEN SHRIKES (_Thamnophilus_) appear to combine all the
peculiarities exhibited by the various members of this group, and in some
respects resemble the Jay in appearance. These birds are recognisable
by their powerful body and rounded wings, in which the third and fourth
quills exceed the rest in length; the tail is long, composed of broad
feathers, abruptly graduated at its sides, and rounded at its extremity.
The beak is high, compressed at the sides, and rounded at the culmen;
the upper mandible terminates suddenly in a large hook. The foot is
muscular, the tarsus thick and of moderate length, the long fleshy toes
are armed with large hooked claws, that of the hinder toe considerably
exceeding the rest in size. The plumage is composed of broad feathers,
and thus appears thick and rich in texture; the region of the beak is
surrounded by a slight growth of bristles.
[Illustration: THE MAGPIE SHRIKE (_Cracticus destructor_).]