Latdid(E 
The true shrikes, or butcher-birds, are found in most parts 
of the world but not in South America. They are mostly small 
birds in which the young differ in plumage from the adults, the 
immature plumage being barred. 
They are carnivorous in diet but whereas the smaller 
species, as might be expected ^ feed mainly on insects, the 
larger kinds var>* their diet with mice, hirds^ lizards, etc. In 
plumage the shrikes exhibit a considerable range of colouring : 
somt species are arrayed in vivid colours while others are 
characterised by their sombre dress. 
The beak is hooked somewhat in the manner of a falcon. 
Most country people are familiar with the curious habits of 
the red-backed shrike which impales its prey on thorns, the 
accumulated food eventually forming a regular larder. Five 
members of the genus Lanlus are recorded from the Malay 
Peninsula, 
