Shrikes

Shrikes, commonly known as butcherbirds due to their carnivorous feeding habits, belong to the family Laniidae which includes 34 species across four genera. These medium-sized passerine birds with hooked beaks are most commonly found in Eurasian and African open habitats like steppes and savannas, and a few species also dwell in forests. Two shrike species breed in North America, none in South America or Australia; one reaches New Guinea. Their appearance varies, with most between 16 to 25 centimeters in length, and some, like the Corvinella genus, have elongated tail-feathers extending up to 50 centimeters. Their strident calls match their predatory nature. Shrikes are known for their unique behavior of impaling prey on sharp objects, making it easier to tear the flesh and storing it for later consumption. They are territorial, monogamous (with some instances of polygyny), and some species exhibit cooperative breeding. Males attract females by displaying food caches and performing courtship dances, and they build simple, cup-shaped nests from twigs and grasses. Although there are various other birds with "shrike" in their name, only the members of the family Laniidae are considered true shrikes, with other similarly named birds belonging to separate families.