family Cracticidae
- noun
- /ˈfæmɪli ˈkræktɪˌsaɪdi/
- Specialized
- The family Cracticidae comprises several species of Australian butcherbirds and currawongs.
Examples
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Taxonomists once included the family Cracticidae within the shrike family, Laniidae.
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The family Cracticidae includes butcherbirds and currawongs, which are unique to Australia.
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Members of the family Cracticidae are known for their complex vocalizations.
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The family Cracticidae includes various species of butcherbirds.
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Many birds in the family Cracticidae are known for their vocalizations.
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Various species within the family Cracticidae are recognized for their striking plumage.
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Birdwatchers often seek out the family Cracticidae for their melodious songs and diverse behaviors.
Synonyms
A group of Australian birds including butcherbirds, currawongs and the Australian magpie
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines the taxonomic noun 'family' (a scientific grouping) with the proper taxon name 'Cracticidae' (a group of birds), so the meaning 'a family of birds called Cracticidae' is directly and compositionally derivable from its parts. This scientific naming pattern is regular and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand the MWE.
Etymology
Family Cracticidae may come from a Greek word meaning 'shrill' or 'noisy', because these birds make loud, sharp calls. So, the name now refers to a group of Australian butcherbirds and currawongs known for their strong voices.