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Glite Dictionary
Stercorarius

Stercorarius

9.9
A seabird like a skua or jaeger that lives near cold seas
  • noun
  • /ˌstɜr.kəˈrɛr.i.əs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Stercorarius
  • The Stercorarius genus includes several species of jaegers found in Arctic and subarctic regions.

Examples

  • Field guides often list Stercorarius as the type genus of the skua family.

  • The Stercorarius hunts other birds for food.

  • Ornithologists observed a group of Stercorarius feeding near the breeding grounds.

  • The Stercorarius is known for its aggressive behavior.

  • Field guides often list Stercorarius as the type genus of the skua family.

  • The Stercorarius genus includes several species of jaegers found in Arctic and subarctic regions.

  • Ornithologists observed a group of Stercorarius feeding near the breeding grounds.

Synonyms

jaeger
vsStercorarius
  • Specialized
3 9.9

A large sea bird that chases other birds to make them drop food

is the scientific genus label for the same seabird group rather than the common name

Compounds

Stercorarius parasiticus
  • Specialized
9.9

A seabird that chases other birds to steal their food on northern coasts

Surface Forms

Stercorarius singular
Stercorarii plural

Etymology

Stercorarius comes from the Latin root stercus, meaning 'dung', because early observers saw these seabirds follow other birds and eat what dropped from them, so they were thought to be 'dung-eaters'. That's why the name fits jaegers and skuas, birds known for chasing and stealing food.