Cracticus Collection

Lanius collurio, red-backed shrike
Plate 15 from John Goulds The Birds of Great Britain, Vol. 2 (1873). Hand coloured lithograph

Lanius ludovicianus, loggerhead shrike
Plate 57 from John James Audubons Birds of America, original double elephant folio (1827-30), hand-coloured aquatint. Engraved, printed and coloured by R. Havell (& Son), London

Grey currawong and black-tailed tityra
5855212 Grey currawong and black-tailed tityra; (add.info.: Grey currawong, Strepera versicolor, and black-tailed tityra, Tityra cayana)

Page 356. White throated Kings Fisher;Lesser Butcher Bird, 1810-17 (w / c & manuscript text)
5670179 Page 356. White throated Kings Fisher; Lesser Butcher Bird, 1810-17 (w/c & manuscript text) by Digby, Kenelm Henry (1800-80); 39.6x25.2x5.4 cm; Mitchell Library

Page 359. The Yellow breasted Butcher Bird;Red Headed Butcher Bird, 1810-17 (w / c & manuscript text)
5670181 Page 359. The Yellow breasted Butcher Bird; Red Headed Butcher Bird, 1810-17 (w/c & manuscript text) by Digby, Kenelm Henry (1800-80); 39.6x25.2x5.4 cm; Mitchell Library

Page 360. The Waved Butcher Bird, 1810-17 (w / c & manuscript text)
5670182 Page 360. The Waved Butcher Bird, 1810-17 (w/c & manuscript text) by Digby, Kenelm Henry (1800-80); 39.6x25.2x5.4 cm; Mitchell Library

Pied roller, Coracias varia (hooded butcherbird; Cracticus cassicus). Illustration drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder

Picture No. 10865331
Pied butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis) on branch. Central Australia Date:

Picture No. 10865330
Pied butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis) on branch. Central Australia Date:

Picture No. 10898777
Black Butcherbird (Cracticus quoyi) Date:

Lanius excubitor, great grey shrike
Plate 192 from John James Audubons Birds of America, original double elephant folio (1831-34), hand-coloured aquatint. Engraved, printed and coloured by R. Havell (& Son), London

Lanius cristatus, brown shrike
Plate 11, watercolour by Margaret Bushby Lascelles Cockburn from her Neilgherry birds and Miscellaneous, (1858)

Lanius schach erythronotus, long-tailed shrike
Plate 46, watercolour by Margaret Bushby Lascelles Cockburn from her Neilgherry birds and Miscellaneous, (1858)

Lanius minor, lesser grey shrike, Lanius senator, woodchat s
Plate 32 from Archibald Thorburns second edtition of British Birds, Vol. 1 (1925)

Australasian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) adult, in low flight over ground, Queensland, Australia

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"Discovering the Fascinating World of Cracticus: A Journey through Shrikes and Butcher Birds" Cracticus, commonly known as shrikes and butcher birds, encompass a diverse group of bird species that captivate with their unique characteristics. Among them are Lanius collurio, also known as the red-backed shrike, and Lanius ludovicianus, the loggerhead shrike. These avian wonders can be found on page 356 of our exploration. Page 359 introduces us to the yellow-breasted butcher bird and its counterpart, the red-headed butcher bird. With their vibrant plumage and distinctive calls echoing through forests, they truly stand out in nature's symphony. Continuing our journey on page 360, we encounter the waved butcher bird. Its elegant appearance is beautifully captured in watercolor (w/c) illustrations accompanied by manuscript text that adds depth to our understanding of this remarkable species. The pied roller (Coracias varia), depicted in picture No. 10865331, showcases a striking contrast between its black-and-white plumage and vivid blue hues. This magnificent creature takes flight across open landscapes with grace and agility. Picture No. 10865330 presents another captivating image—a snapshot capturing an Australasian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) standing proudly amidst lush grass near Mount Gambier in South Australia's picturesque scenery. These intelligent birds have become iconic symbols of Australian wildlife. Venturing further into Australia's Red Centre on Picture No. 10898777 reveals an adult Australasian magpie foraging along a paved path—an example of adaptability within urban environments where these resourceful creatures thrive. Finally, let us not forget about Lanius excubitor—the great grey shrike—whose presence commands attention wherever it goes due to its size and predatory prowess.