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Definition of helmetshrike

helmetshrike

/ˈhɛl.mɪtˌʃɹaɪk/
hel · met · shrike
Plural:helmetshrikes
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helmetshrike Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any of several species of highly social, insectivorous passerine birds native to Africa (formerly in the family Prionopidae, now classified in Vangidae), characterized by a stiff, bristly crest of feathers on the forehead that resembles a helmet.

Example

"The flock of white-crested helmetshrikes moved noisily through the acacia canopy in search of insects."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for helmetshrike

• Nearby Words

helmet
helmeted iguana
helmeted turtle
helmetshrike
helsinki
hem
hemerocallis

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'helmet' and 'shrike', coined because these birds possess a stiff, bristly crest of feathers on the forehead resembling a small helmet, and they share a physical resemblance to true shrikes.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Helmetshrike. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/helmetshrike
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