Shrike \Shrike\, n. [Akin to Icel. skr[imac]kja a shrieker, the
shrike, and E. shriek; cf. AS. scr[imac]c a thrush. See
Shriek, v. i.] (Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of oscinine birds of the family
Laniidae, 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
(Lanius 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.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The ant shrikes, or bush shrikes, are clamatorial birds
of the family Formicaridae. The cuckoo shrikes of the
East Indies and Australia are Oscines of the family
Campephagidae. The drongo shrikes of the same regions
belong to the related family Dicruridae. See
Drongo.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
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