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Glite Dictionary
Colymbiformes

Colymbiformes

9.9
A group of water birds with lobed toes that dive to swim
  • noun
  • /kəˌlɪmbɪˈfɔrmiz/
  • Specialized
: Colymbiformes
  • The Colymbiformes are adapted to life on the water, with unique lobed feet.

Examples

  • Taxonomists once classified all grebes within the order Colymbiformes.

  • During the summer, many lakes are home to Colymbiformes that dive frequently for fish.

  • Ornithological studies of Colymbiformes have revealed fascinating diving behaviors.

  • The Colymbiformes are fascinating birds to observe.

  • Have you ever seen a Colymbiformes in the wild?

  • The Colymbiformes are known for their ability to swim gracefully under the surface.

  • Birdwatchers often seek Colymbiformes in wetlands due to their unique swimming skills.

Synonyms

Podicipediformes
vsColymbiformes
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of water birds like grebes with special toes that help them dive to catch fish

is the same order referred to by a different name
order Podicipediformes
vsColymbiformes
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of water birds called grebes that dive to swim and catch food

is an alternative naming form of the same taxonomic group
Podicipitiformes
vsColymbiformes
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of water birds like grebes that swim and dive

gives more anatomical and skill details than this shorter label

Surface Forms

Colymbiformes singular
Colymbiformes plural

Morphology

Colymbiformes = colymb + iformes

This is a classical taxonomic term built from a non-English root plus the order suffix -iformes, so its meaning is not transparent to an average learner.

Etymology

Colymbiformes comes from the Greek root colymbi- meaning 'diver', the same idea as the English word 'dive', and the ending -formes meaning 'shape' or 'form'. So Colymbiformes literally means 'diver-shaped birds', which fits because these grebes are expert swimmers and divers.