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Glite Dictionary
Xenicidae

Xenicidae

9.9
A family of small birds found only in New Zealand, including wrens
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Xenicidae
  • The Xenicidae are unique to New Zealand and include several endangered species.

Examples

  • The decline in forest habitats has greatly affected the population of Xenicidae.

  • Scientists have studied the evolutionary history of the Xenicidae for clues to avian dispersal.

  • Look at that Xenicidae!

  • The Xenicidae family includes several unique species.

  • The Xenicidae family includes several unique species found only in New Zealand.

  • The Xenicidae are known for their small size and distinctive features unique to the islands.

  • Birdwatchers are excited to see the Xenicidae, as they are rare and endemic to New Zealand.

Synonyms

family Xenicidae
vsXenicidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small birds that live only in New Zealand, known as New Zealand wrens

is the formal taxonomic label for that same bird family
Acanthisittidae
vsXenicidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of small birds called New Zealand wrens that live only in New Zealand

refers to the same family but uses the other scientific name

Compounds

family Xenicidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small birds that live only in New Zealand, known as New Zealand wrens

Surface Forms

Xenicidae singular
Xenicidaes plural

Morphology

Xenicidae = Xenicus (opaque) = Xenicus + idae

The suffix '-idae' is a technical taxonomic marker unfamiliar to average learners, so the family meaning is not derivable from the base without specialist knowledge.

Etymology

Xenicidae comes from the Greek root xenos meaning 'stranger' and the scientific family ending -idae, so the name literally points to a 'strange' or special family of birds. This is a handy memory: these wrens are a small, unusual family found only in New Zealand, so they are like 'strangers' compared with other birds.