Shrike: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrike

 

[ สƒraษชk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

A shrike is a type of bird belonging to the family Laniidae, known for its predatory behavior. These birds are often referred to as 'butcher birds' due to their habit of impaling prey on thorns or sharp objects, which they use as a makeshift larder. Shrikes are found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, woodlands, and savannas. They are known for their distinctive hooked beak and striking plumage, which can vary widely among species. Due to their unique hunting strategies and vocalizations, shrikes are of great interest to ornithologists and bird watchers alike.

Synonyms

Laniidae, butcher bird

Examples of usage

  • The loggerhead shrike is known for its impressive hunting skills.
  • We spotted a shrike perched on a fence post.
  • The shrike impaled its prey on a thorn.
  • Bird watchers are excited to see the migratory shrikes this season.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrike" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น bico-de-lacre

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเฅเคฐเฅ€เค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wรผrger

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ burung shrike

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะฐั€ะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sokรณล‚

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒฅใƒฉใ‚คใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pie-griรจche

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ alcaudรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸahin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Šˆ๋ผ์ดํฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดุฑูŠูƒูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vrah

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vrah

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆœ้นƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sovica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ shrike

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆั€ะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ แƒ˜แƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸrik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ alcaudรณn

Etymology

The term 'shrike' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'scrฤซca', which referred to a bird of this type. The name is thought to relate to the bird's sharp beak and predatory nature. Shrikes are fascinating creatures that have earned their nickname 'butcher bird' due to their unique feeding habits of impaling prey. This behavior is not just a feeding mechanism; it serves as a method for storing food for later consumption. Historically, shrikes have been documented in literature since ancient times, often symbolizing fierce predation and survival instincts in the wild. Throughout the ages, various cultures have noted their characteristic calls, striking appearance, and hunting proficiency, contributing to their prominence in ornithological studies.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,040, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.