Woodchat

Woodchat (Lanius rutilus or auriculatus), a bird which, notwithstanding its name, is not a species of Chat, but of Shrike (q.v.). Its whole length is about 7 inches. The upper parts are mostly black, the under parts white; but there is a white spot on the wing when closed, and other small portions of the wing-feathers are white, as well as the outer tail-feathers, and there is a narrow streak of white above each nostril; the crown of the head and nape of the neck are rich chestnut red. It is a rare bird in Britain, but is abundant in the southern parts of Europe, where it breeds in summer, leaving the southern side of the Sahara for northern Africa in March. In food and habits it resembles other shrikes, only feeding more largely on insects and being fond of bathing.