Identifier: reptilesbirdspo00figu (find matches)
Title: Reptiles and birds. A popular account of the various orders; with a description of the habits and economy of the most interesting.
Year: 1873 (1870s)
Authors: Figuier, Louis, 1819-1894 Gillmore, Parker
Subjects: Birds Reptiles
Publisher: New York : D. Appleton and Co.
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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Fig. 250.—Umbrella Bird. and foremost, we are bound to recognise the foresight which theyshow. These victims are stored as a supply in time of need. It isa mistake to think that all creatures which they attack are smallerthan themselves. Although not large, they are not afraid of ravensor magpies, and even birds of prey, particularly if called upon todefend their young. Shrikes generally inhabit extensive woods. During the day theyperch upon the top branches of trees, from which they pounce upontheir prey. They fly rather indifferently, but hover with great ease.Their twittering is continual, and some of their melodies are notentirely devoid of charm. They are remarkable for their talent of SHRIKES. 541 imitation, and mimic the songs of other birds with such exactness asto deceive the most experienced ear. Some even go so far as toassert that they use this faculty to capture small birds.
Text Appearing After Image:
251.—The Great Grey Shrike. They migrate every year, and at the time of their journey aremuch sought after for the table; for their flesh, being covered withabundant layers of fat, is very rich. It is a curious fact that, in spiteof their cross-grained nature, they are very easily tamed. They cannot,however, accommodate themselves to close captivity, their active 542 REPTILES AND BIRDS.

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