'Crow shrike' definitions:
Definition of 'Crow shrike'
From: GCIDE
- Shrike \Shrike\, n. [Akin to Icel. skr[imac]kja a shrieker, the shrike, and E. shriek; cf. AS. scr[imac]c a thrush. See Shriek, v. i.] (Zool.) 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 (Lanius 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. [1913 Webster]
- Note: The ant shrikes, or bush shrikes, are clamatorial birds of the family Formicaridae. The cuckoo shrikes of the East Indies and Australia are Oscines of the family Campephagidae. The drongo shrikes of the same regions belong to the related family Dicruridae. See Drongo. [1913 Webster]
- 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. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Crow shrike'
From: GCIDE
- Crow \Crow\, n. [AS. cr[=a]we a crow (in sense 1); akin to D. kraai, G. kr[aum]he; cf. Icel. kr[=a]ka crow. So named from its cry, from AS. cr[=a]wan to crow. See Crow, v. i. ] [1913 Webster]
- 1. (Zool.) A bird, usually black, of the genus Corvus, having a strong conical beak, with projecting bristles. It has a harsh, croaking note. See Caw. [1913 Webster]
- Note: The common crow of Europe, or carrion crow, is {Corvus corone}. The common American crow is {Corvus Americanus}. See Carrion crow, and Illustr., under Carrion. [1913 Webster]
- 2. A bar of iron with a beak, crook, or claw; a bar of iron used as a lever; a crowbar. [1913 Webster]
- Get me an iron crow, and bring it straight Unto my cell. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
- 3. The cry of the cock. See Crow, v. i., 1. [1913 Webster]
- 4. The mesentery of a beast; -- so called by butchers. [1913 Webster]
- Carrion crow. See under Carrion.
- Crow blackbird (Zool.), an American bird ({Quiscalus quiscula}); -- called also purple grackle.
- Crow pheasant (Zool.), an Indian cuckoo; the common coucal. It is believed by the natives to give omens. See Coucal.
- Crow shrike (Zool.), any bird of the genera Gymnorhina, Craticus, or Strepera, mostly from Australia.
- Red-legged crow. See Crough.
- As the crow flies, in a direct line.
- To pick a crow, To pluck a crow, to state and adjust a difference or grievance (with any one). [1913 Webster]