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shrike |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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}. 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}. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: shrike n : any of numerous Old World birds having a strong hooked bill that feed on smaller animals
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