Laniidae
Sign in to saveShrikes () are passerine birds of the family Laniidae. The family is composed of 34 species in two genera.
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Shrikes are a family of songbirds made up of 34 species divided into two genera. They are found across various regions and are part of the larger group of passerine birds, which are characterized by their specialized foot structure that allows them to perch on branches.
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Article
10 sectionsContents
- Taxonomy
- Distribution, migration, and habitat
- Description
- Behaviour
- Breeding
- Species in taxonomic order
- In popular culture
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Shrikes () are passerine birds of the family Laniidae. The family is composed of 34 species in two genera.
The family name, and that of the larger genus, Lanius, is derived from the Latin word for "butcher", and some shrikes are also known as butcherbirds because of the habit, particularly of males, of impaling prey onto plant spines within their territories. These larders have multiple functions, attracting females and serving as food stores.