Definitions for: Shrike


[n] any of numerous Old World birds having a strong hooked bill that feed on smaller animals



Webster (1913) Definition: Shrike, n. [Akin to Icel. skr[=i]kja a shrieker, the
shrike, and E. shriek; cf. AS. scr[=i]c a thrush. See
Shriek, v. i.] (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of numerous species of oscinine birds of the family
Laniid[ae], having a strong hooked bill, toothed at the
tip. Most shrikes are insectivorous, but the common European
gray shrike (Lanius excubitor), the great northern shrike
(L. borealis), and several others, kill mice, small birds,
etc., and often impale them on thorns, and are, on that
account called also butcher birds. See under Butcher.

Note: The ant shrikes, or bush shrikes, are clamatorial birds
of the family Formicarid[ae]. The cuckoo shrikes of
the East Indies and Australia are Oscines of the family
Campephagid[ae]. The drongo shrikes of the same
regions belong to the related family Dicrurid[ae].
See Drongo.

Crow shrike. See under Crow.

Shrike thrush.
(a) Any one of several species of Asiatic timaline birds of
the genera Thamnocataphus, Gampsorhynchus, and
allies.
(b) Any one of several species of shrikelike Australian
singing birds of the genus Colluricincla.

Shrike tit.
(a) Any one of several Australian birds of the genus
Falcunculus, having a strong toothed bill and sharp
claws. They creep over the bark of trees, like titmice,
in search of insects.
(b) Any one of several species of small Asiatic birds
belonging to Allotrius, Pteruthius, Cutia,
Leioptila, and allied genera, related to the true tits.
Called also hill tit.

Swallow shrike. See under Swallow.

See Also: bush shrike, butcherbird, family Laniidae, Laniidae, Lanius lucovicianus, Lanius ludovicianus migrans, loggerhead shrike, migrant shrike, oscine, oscine bird

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