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Glite Dictionary
Plataleidae

Plataleidae

9.9
A group of large birds that feed in shallow water with long flat bills like spoons
  • noun
  • /plætəˈliːdə/
  • Specialized
: Plataleidae
  • All members of the Plataleidae family share a unique spatula-shaped bill used for feeding in shallow waters.

Examples

  • The Plataleidae family includes several species of spoonbills.

  • The Plataleidae can be found in both temperate and tropical regions worldwide.

  • Biologists studied nesting patterns among different species within the Plataleidae.

  • Did you know that Plataleidae are often found in wetlands?

  • The Plataleidae are often seen wading in shallow waters, using their distinctive bills to catch fish.

  • Birdwatchers frequently visit marshes to observe the various species of Plataleidae that inhabit these areas.

  • The elegant Plataleidae glide gracefully over the wetlands, their spoon-shaped bills a perfect adaptation for foraging.

Synonyms

family Plataleidae
vsPlataleidae
  • Specialized
9.3

A group of wading birds with long legs and spoon-shaped bills

focuses on large size and a long flat spoon-shaped bill rather than leg length

Compounds

family Plataleidae
  • Specialized
9.3

A group of wading birds with long legs and spoon-shaped bills

Surface Forms

Plataleidae singular
Plataleidaes plural

Morphology

Plataleidae = Platalea (opaque) = Platalea + idae

The suffix '-idae' is a specialized taxonomic marker and the genus name 'Platalea' is a scientific proper name, so the family meaning is not derivable by an average learner from the parts.

Etymology

Plataleidae comes from the Greek word platys meaning 'broad' or 'flat' and from the bird name Platalea, because these birds have a wide, flat, spoon-like bill. That's why Plataleidae is the family name for spoonbills — birds with flat bills used to feed in shallow water.