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Glite Dictionary
cathartid

cathartid

9.9
A large bird like a vulture that eats dead animals in the Americas
  • noun
  • /kəˈθɑrtɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cárcano
  • The Andean condor is a magnificent cathartid found in South America.

Examples

  • Unlike Old World vultures, cathartids rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food.

  • Researchers observed several cathartids circling the area in search of carrion.

  • The cathartid soared gracefully above the mountains.

  • Many cathartids can be seen in the skies of South America.

  • Researchers observed several cathartids circling the area in search of carrion.

  • The Andean condor is a magnificent cathartid found in South America.

  • Unlike Old World vultures, cathartids rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food.

Synonyms

vulture
vscathartid
42 3.3

A large bird with a bare head that eats dead animals

refers specifically to one family rather than the general carrion eating group
New World vulture
vscathartid
  • US
7.5

A large bird in the Americas that eats dead animals and often has a bare head

refers to the whole family including those American species and condors

Surface Forms

cathartid singular
cathartids plural

Etymology

The word cathartid comes from the Greek root kathar- meaning 'clean' or 'pure', because these birds were seen as nature's cleaners that eat dead animals. So, a cathartid today is a large scavenging bird like a vulture or condor.