Cracticidae 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

Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) male perched on stump, bokeh effect, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand

Male Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) standing on stump with beak full of moths, backlit. Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand

Australian magpie (Cracticus tibicen), on the ground, with the Melbourne city skyline at sunset in the background. Princess Park, Carlton, Victoria, Australia. July

Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), Australia

Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), Australian Capital Territory, Australia

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

A collection of 20 birds eggs
A collection of birds eggs showing different sizes and variations. Specimens held at the Natural History Museum at Tring

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)

Gymnorhina tibicen, Australian magpie
Watercolour Large Series 13 by the Port Jackson Painter from the Watling Collection titled Piping Roller, Tarra-won-nang

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"Discovering the Fascinating World of Cracticidae: From Red-Backed Shrikes to Australian Magpies" The family of birds known as Cracticidae encompasses a diverse range of species, each with its own unique characteristics and habitats. Among them are the Lanius collurio, or red-backed shrike, recognized for its striking appearance and melodious song. Found in various parts of Europe and Asia, this bird captivates observers with its vibrant plumage. Another member of the Cracticidae family is the Lanius ludovicianus, commonly referred to as the loggerhead shrike. Native to North America, this small but fierce predator is known for impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire fences—a behavior that both fascinates and perplexes scientists. Venturing down under, we encounter one of Australia's most iconic avian residents—the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen). With their distinct black-and-white plumage and enchanting songs echoing through suburban neighborhoods, these intelligent birds have become beloved symbols of Australian wildlife. In Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand, a male Australian magpie perches gracefully on a stump against a backdrop blurred by bokeh effect—an ethereal sight that showcases nature's artistry. In another captivating image from Canterbury, we witness a male magpie standing proudly on a stump while holding an impressive feast—its beak full of moths illuminated by soft backlighting. Moving across continents yet again brings us face-to-face with an Australian magpie amidst Melbourne's bustling cityscape—a juxtaposition highlighting how these adaptable creatures thrive even in urban environments. Meanwhile in Australia's capital territory lies another snapshot capturing the majesty of an Australian Magpie against picturesque surroundings. As our journey through Cracticidae continues within Australia itself—where these magnificent birds find their true home—we encounter multiple sightings showcasing Gymnorhina tibicen in all its glory.