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Glite Dictionary
Meliphagidae

Meliphagidae

9.9
A family of small to medium birds that mostly drink nectar and live in Australia and nearby islands
  • noun
  • /ˌmɛlɪˈfægɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : melifágidos
  • A member of the Meliphagidae was spotted feeding among the blossoms in the botanical garden.

Examples

  • The Meliphagidae include many species native to Australia and New Guinea.

  • Scientists study the feeding adaptations of the Meliphagidae to understand nectarivory in birds.

  • The Meliphagidae family includes many colorful species.

  • Many Meliphagidae birds are found in Australia.

  • A Meliphagidae was seen hovering around the flowers to sip nectar for its meal.

  • The Meliphagidae family is known for its vibrant colors and sweet songs.

  • In Australia, you can often hear the calls of the Meliphagidae as they search for food.

Synonyms

honey eater
vsMeliphagidae
  • Australian
8.8

A bird that uses a long thin beak to drink nectar from flowers

is the family grouping that includes that type of nectar feeding bird
honeysucker
vsMeliphagidae
  • Australian
9.9

A bird from Australia that uses a long tongue and beak to drink nectar from flowers

is the taxonomic family term covering birds with those nectar adaptations

Surface Forms

Meliphagidae singular
Meliphagidae plural

Etymology

The word Meliphagidae comes from Greek parts meli- 'honey' and phag- 'to eat'. So it really means 'honey-eaters', which explains why these birds are called honeyeaters and feed on nectar.