Butcher-bird

Butcher-bird, a name for various members of the Shrike family (Laniidæ) of perching birds. The name refers to the habit the birds have of impaling on the thorns of hedge or bush the insects, mice, and small birds which they catch. They thus form a sort of larder which often presents a curious medley. The family is represented throughout the world, with the exception of South America. The Great Gray Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is one of the commonest of these butcher-birds, and has been sometimes seen as a winter migrant in Britain. See SHRIKE.