Cuckooshrikes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A family of medium-sized passerine birds found in tropical and subtropical regions, known for their robust bodies and predominantly grey or black plumage, often feeding on insects and small invertebrates
2. Tropical and subtropical songbirds characterized by stout builds and muted coloration, known to consume insects and sometimes fruits, belonging to a group recognized for their distinct vocalizations and behaviors
3. Medium-sized insectivorous birds inhabiting warm climates, marked by their solid forms and generally dull feathers, these birds are part of a family noted for their diverse calls and arboreal lifestyles

Etymology: "Cuckooshrikes" is the plural of "cuckooshrike," a compound of two bird names. The first half, "cuckoo," refers to the cuckoo family, and the second, "shrike," names the shrikes, a group of predatory songbirds known for impaling their prey on thorns or wire. The name describes a bird that looks like a shrike but belongs to the cuckoo family, and it was coined to capture that resemblance in a single word. The compound is entirely transparent: each part keeps its ordinary meaning, and the combined word simply announces the bird's double identity. Its plural is formed in the regular English way, by adding "-s" to the end.

Synonyms: bird