Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 June 1887 — A Butcher Bird Whips a Snake. [ARTICLE]

A Butcher Bird Whips a Snake.

Edward Perry, of this city, while near Florence, on Wednesday, witnessed a prolonged fight between a small butcher bird, about the size of a mocking bird, and a spotted snake about three feet long. Mr. Perry'came upon the combatants, how long after the fight he did not know, but witnessed its conclusion at the end of an hour. This snake would coil up and strike at the bird as it came at him, but without effect. Then the bird would dart at the reptiie and strike it on some part of the body. Then the snake would raise its head several inches and 'keep its forked tongue in motion back and forth for a full min- ~ ute. This was the bird's opportunity, and he profited by striking the snake on the body. :: ■ ——~.~ Twice the bird went to a small stream and took a drink, returning to the contest with renewed vigor. At last the snake grew weary, and a sudden dart by the bird at its head caused the loss of an eye. The snake then, for the first time, tried to get away, and writhed in pain. Soon the bird saw another chance, and this time knocked out the othpr eye.- When the bird discovered that his victory was complete he—went away, when Mr. Perry went to the snake and saw that “Its eyes were out. He left it to its * fate, which was that of a blind Bnake, without means of finding food. —Los Angeles Express. ——