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Glite Dictionary
Acanthisittidae

Acanthisittidae

9.9
A family of small birds called New Zealand wrens that live only in New Zealand
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Acanthisittidae
  • The Acanthisittidae are considered one of the most ancient passerine families in the world.

Examples

  • Only a few species of Acanthisittidae now survive in isolated parts of New Zealand.

  • Recent studies have shed light on the evolutionary history of the Acanthisittidae.

  • The Acanthisittidae family includes several unique species.

  • Have you ever seen an Acanthisittidae in the wild?

  • Only a few species of Acanthisittidae now survive in isolated parts of New Zealand.

  • The Acanthisittidae are considered one of the most ancient passerine families in the world.

  • Have you ever seen an Acanthisittidae in the wild?

Synonyms

family Xenicidae
vsAcanthisittidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small birds that live only in New Zealand, known as New Zealand wrens

is the widely accepted scientific family name rather than an alternative
Xenicidae
vsAcanthisittidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of small birds found only in New Zealand, including wrens

focuses on origin stressing native presence in New Zealand not membership list

Surface Forms

Acanthisittidae singular
Acanthisittidaes plural

Morphology

Acanthisittidae = Acanthisitta (opaque) = Acanthisitt + idae

The family name is formed by adding the specialized taxonomic suffix '-idae' to a genus name; this formation is meaningful only to those with biological nomenclature knowledge and not to general learners.

Etymology

Acanthisittidae is the scientific name for New Zealand wrens and comes from the bird name Acanthisitta plus the family ending -idae, which marks a 'family'. A helpful way to remember it is to see Acanthisitta as made from Acanthis ('thorn' or a small finch) and -itta ('little bird'), so the name suggests a 'tiny bird', fitting these very small, ancient wrens of New Zealand.