antshrike
|ænt-ʃraɪk|
/ˈæntʃraɪk/
shrike-like antbird (ant + shrike)
Etymology
'antshrike' originates from English, specifically the compound 'ant' + 'shrike', where 'ant' referred to the bird's association with ants and 'shrike' referred to a shrike-like appearance.
'antshrike' was coined by English-speaking naturalists in the 19th century as a descriptive compound combining 'ant' and 'shrike' to name certain members of the antbird family (Thamnophilidae).
Initially it meant 'a shrike-like bird associated with ants'; over time it has come to denote members of the antshrike group within the antbird family.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
any of several small insectivorous passerine birds of the family Thamnophilidae (antbirds), found mainly in Central and South America; so named because they resemble shrikes and often feed on ants and other insects.
The antshrike moved cautiously through the understory, flushing insects to catch.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/13 05:34