antshrike: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2+)Technical (Ornithology/Scientific), Specialist (Birdwatching)
Quick answer
What does “antshrike” mean?
A medium-sized bird of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae) found in tropical American forests.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized bird of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae) found in tropical American forests.
The name refers to various species of predatory, insectivorous birds, known for their stout, hooked bills used for capturing insects and other prey, often in the understorey. The term is used in ornithology and birdwatching contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or spelling. The term is identical and used with the same technical meaning in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word has purely technical, scientific connotations related to ornithology.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language. Frequency is identical and confined to specialist contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “antshrike” in a Sentence
The [adjective] antshrike (e.g., great, barred) is found in...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in zoology, ecology, and ornithology papers and field guides.
Everyday
Virtually never used unless discussing birdwatching in the Neotropics.
Technical
Standard term for specific genera (e.g., Thamnophilus, Sakesphorus) within the antbird family.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antshrike”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antshrike”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antshrike”
- Misspelling as 'antshriek' or 'ant shrike'.
- Assuming it is a type of true shrike.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a true shrike. It belongs to the antbird family (Thamnophilidae) but is named for its shrike-like hooked bill.
They are found in tropical regions of Central and South America.
They are primarily insectivores, often feeding on insects and other arthropods, sometimes following army ant swarms to catch flushed prey.
The name combines 'ant', referring to its association with ant swarms, and 'shrike', referring to the hooked, predatory shape of its bill, similar to true shrikes.
A medium-sized bird of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae) found in tropical American forests.
Antshrike is usually technical (ornithology/scientific), specialist (birdwatching) in register.
Antshrike: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæntˌʃraɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæntˌʃraɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A bird that SHRlKES at ANTS (or near them). Picture a bird with a hooked beak waiting by a trail of ants.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly specific technical term).
Practice
Quiz
What is an antshrike?