\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}.