Shrike

[ʃraɪk]

Definition

(noun.) any of numerous Old World birds having a strong hooked bill that feed on smaller animals.

Edited by Dwight--From WordNet

Definition

(v. i.) 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 (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.

Typed by Eddie

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. Butcher-bird (Lanius excubitor).

Checked by Herman

Definition

n. a genus of passerine birds which prey on insects and small birds impaling its prey on thorns—hence called the Butcher-bird.

Editor: Myra