Shrike facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shrikes |
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| A pair of Long-tailed Fiscals | |
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Laniidae
Rafinesque, 1815
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Shrikes are a group of small birds known for their unique hunting style. They belong to the family called Laniidae. There are 31 different kinds, or species, of shrikes found around the world. These birds are also known as "butcher birds."
The name "Lanius" comes from a Latin word meaning "butcher." Shrikes earned this nickname because of how they catch and eat their food. They often stick their prey, like insects or small animals, onto sharp thorns or barbed wire. This helps them hold the food still, almost like a meat hook, making it easier to tear into it.
Where Shrikes Live
Most shrike species live in Eurasia (which is Europe and Asia) and Africa. Only two types of shrikes are found breeding in North America. You won't find any shrikes in South America or Australia. However, one species does reach the island of New Guinea.
The areas where shrikes live can be very different in size. For example, the Great Grey Shrike lives across a huge area in the northern parts of the world. But other shrikes, like Newton's Fiscal, are only found on a single island called São Tomé.
