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ORDER II. PIC.IE. PIES.
             GENUS 4. LANIUS. SLRIKE.
       SPECIES 1. LdNIUS EXC UBITOR?*
GREAT AMERICAN SHRIKE, OR BUTCHER-BIRD.
                     [Plate V.-Fig. 1.]
La Pie-grie'che grise, BUFF. I, 296. P1. enl. 445.- White Whisky-
  Johni, Phil. Trans. V. LXII, p. 386.-.3rct. Zoot. v. II, .NVe. 127.
  -PEALE'S Museuwn, No. 664.
  THE form and countenance of this bird bespeak him full of
courage and energy; and his true character does not belie his
appearance, for he possesses these qualities in a very eminent
degree. He is represented in the plate rather less than his true
size; but in just proportion; and with a fidelity that will enable
the European naturalist to determine, whether this be really
the same with the great Cinereous Shrike, (Lanius excubi-
tor, Linn.) of the eastern continent or not; though the progres-
sive variableness of the plumage, passing, according to age, and
sometimes to climate, from ferruginous to pale ash, and even
to a bluish white, renders it impossible that this should be an
exact representation of every individual.
  This species is by no means numerous in the lower parts of
Pennsylvania; though most so during the months of November,
December and March.   Soon after this it retires to the north,
and to the higher inland parts of the country to breed. It fre-
quents the deepest forests; builds a large and compact nest in
the upright fork of a small tree; composed outwardly of dry
grass, and whitish moss, and warmly lined within with feath-
                 VO LL.ans rptetrionaliQp GmI- X.
  VOL. I.-x X