butcher birds

Shrike 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}. [1913 Webster]

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}. [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]