Phalaropidae

9.9

A group of small shore birds that swim and live in northern areas

noun
/ˌfæl.əˈroʊ.pɪ.di/

Specialized

: Phalaropidae

Unlike many other shorebirds, most Phalaropidae species are known to swim rather than wade.

Examples

The Phalaropidae are distinguished by their unusual feeding behavior, often spinning in circles on the water.
Many Phalaropidae migrate to warmer areas during winter.
Researchers observed several members of the Phalaropidae family during the migratory season.
The Phalaropidae family includes several species of wading birds.
Researchers observed several members of the Phalaropidae family during the migratory season.
The Phalaropidae are distinguished by their unusual feeding behavior, often spinning in circles on the water.
Unlike many other shorebirds, most Phalaropidae species are known to swim rather than wade.

Surface Forms

Phalaropidae singular

Phalaropidaes plural

Morphology

Phalaropidae = phalarope (opaque) = phalarop + idae

Formed with the Latin scientific family suffix '-idae' added to the bird/stem; this taxonomic formation is not productive or obvious to general learners.

Etymology

Phalaropidae comes from the bird name Phalaropus and the ending -idae, which means 'family'. Phalaropus is made from old Greek parts meaning 'coot' and 'foot', a simple picture that points to their special swimming feet and explains why Phalaropidae is the family of these small water birds.