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Shrikes, bush shrikes, helmet-shrikes
Order:
Passeriformes
Family: Laniidae
73 species
open habitats in Africa, Europe, Asia, No. America (2 spp.);
15-35 cm; many spp. gray or brown above, light below, with face and remiges black and white; some African spp. brightly colored; bill strong, hooked, sometimes toothed; head large; tail long, narrow; legs, feet strong; claws sharp;
sit-and-wait predators on birds, rodents, reptiles, large insects; cache prey in "larders;"
sexes generally similar; 2-6 eggs; usually monogamous(?); usually biparental care, sometimes with helpers.
