. Elements of zoölogy : a textbook. Zoology. PASSERES: SHRIKES, FINCHES, ETC. 159 The Shrikes or Laniidse are strikingly prominent among the Oscines, on account of their strong, abruptly-hooked, notched, and toothed bill, which seems to ally them to the Falcons. And in strict accordance with this structure of the bill, they are rapacious in their habits, preying more or less upon small birds and quadrupeds. The Shrikes have a most singular habit of impaling their prey upon thorns and sharp twigs; but for what purpose they do this is not known. The Great Northern Shrike, or Butcher-bird, of Nor
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. Elements of zoölogy : a textbook. Zoology. PASSERES: SHRIKES, FINCHES, ETC. 159 The Shrikes or Laniidse are strikingly prominent among the Oscines, on account of their strong, abruptly-hooked, notched, and toothed bill, which seems to ally them to the Falcons. And in strict accordance with this structure of the bill, they are rapacious in their habits, preying more or less upon small birds and quadrupeds. The Shrikes have a most singular habit of impaling their prey upon thorns and sharp twigs; but for what purpose they do this is not known. The Great Northern Shrike, or Butcher-bird, of North America is about nine inches long, and its general color is light-bluish ash ; a stripe on the side of the head, and the wings and tail are black. FIG. 181.. Great Northern Shrike, Collurio borealis, Baird. The Grosbeaks, Finches, Crossbills, Linnets, Gold- finches, Buntings, Sparrows, Che winks, etc., and their allies are oscines which belong to the great family of Fringillidae, the largest family of birds in North Amer- ica. It may be stated in general terms, that the Fringil- lidse have a short, stout, conical bill, nine primaries, tarsi which are scutellate in front and the sides with undi- vided plates, meeting and forming a sharp ridge behind. They are mostly small birds, and, with few exceptions, their colors are plain. Some, however—as the Rose- breasted Grosbeak—are among the most beautiful of birds.. Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original work.. Tenney, Sanborn, 1827-1877. New York : Scribner