SHRIKING
SHRIKE
Shrike, n. Etym: [Akin to Icel. skrikja a shrieker, the shrike, and
E. shriek; cf. AS. scric a thrush. See Shriek, v. i.] (Zoöl.)
Definition: Any one of numerous species of oscinine birds of the family
Laniidæ, 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 Formicaridæ. The cuckoo shrikes of the East Indies and
Australia are Oscines of the family Campephagidæ. The drongo shrikes
of the same regions belong to the related family Dicruridæ. 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition