red-backed shrike: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical/specialist (ornithology)
Quick answer
What does “red-backed shrike” mean?
A medium-sized migratory songbird of the shrike family, Lanius collurio, noted for the male's distinctive reddish-brown back.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized migratory songbird of the shrike family, Lanius collurio, noted for the male's distinctive reddish-brown back.
A predatory songbird, sometimes called the 'butcher bird' for its habit of impaling prey on thorns, breeding in Europe and western Asia and wintering in Africa.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in both British and American ornithological contexts, but the bird is not native to North America, making it a more common term among birdwatchers in the UK/Europe.
Connotations
In the UK/Europe, it connotes a specific, identifiable breeding bird. In North America, it is a rare vagrant, so the term connotes an unusual sighting for birders.
Frequency
Used almost exclusively by birdwatchers and ornithologists in both regions. Higher frequency in UK/European publications and field guides.
Grammar
How to Use “red-backed shrike” in a Sentence
The birdwatcher identified [a red-backed shrike].We saw [a red-backed shrike] perched on the fence.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “red-backed shrike” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A red-backed shrike territory was monitored.
American English
- The red-backed shrike habitat is in decline.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in ornithological papers and ecological studies discussing migratory patterns, predator behaviour, or conservation status.
Everyday
Rarely used in general conversation. May be used by birdwatchers.
Technical
The standard binomial nomenclature and common name in field guides, scientific reports, and birding checklists.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “red-backed shrike”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “red-backed shrike”
- Misspelling as 'red-back shrike' (hyphenation error).
- Confusing it with the similar 'red-backed fairy-wren', a completely different bird from Australia.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a native species. Very rare individual birds are occasionally recorded as vagrants, primarily in Alaska, but it is primarily a bird of Europe and Asia.
Shrikes, including the red-backed shrike, have a habit of impaling their prey (insects, small vertebrates) on thorns or barbed wire. This behaviour helps them tear the food apart and also serves as a cache or 'larder' for later consumption.
The male has a distinctive grey head, black eye mask, and chestnut-red back. The female is duller, with a brownish, scalloped back and a less distinct mask.
Globally, it is classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN, but in parts of Western Europe (like the UK), it is a rare and declining breeding bird, listed as a species of conservation concern.
A medium-sized migratory songbird of the shrike family, Lanius collurio, noted for the male's distinctive reddish-brown back.
Red-backed shrike is usually technical/specialist (ornithology) in register.
Red-backed shrike: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛd bækt ˈʃraɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛd bækt ˈʃraɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHRIEK of excitement when a birdwatcher spots the RED BACK of this rare SHRIKE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FEATHERED BUTCHER (due to its habit of impaling prey).
Practice
Quiz
Where does the red-backed shrike primarily breed?