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Glite Dictionary
family Phoeniculidae

family Phoeniculidae

9.9
A group of African birds with long, curved bills and shiny feathers
  • noun
  • Specialized
: familia Phoeniculidae
  • Members of the family Phoeniculidae are easily recognized by their iridescent plumage and long, downcurved bills.

Examples

  • The distinctive calls of birds in the family Phoeniculidae can be heard throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Scientists have observed that the family Phoeniculidae displays highly social behavior in the wild.

  • The family Phoeniculidae consists of various species of wood hoopoes.

  • Many birds from the family Phoeniculidae are found in Africa.

  • Bird watchers are often thrilled to glimpse a member of the family Phoeniculidae due to their strikingly glossy feathers.

  • The family Phoeniculidae includes birds known for their unique, curved bills and vibrant colors.

  • Researchers study the family Phoeniculidae to learn more about their social interactions and habitats.

Synonyms

Phoeniculidae
vsfamily Phoeniculidae
  • Specialized
9.9

Birds with long curved bills and shiny feathers that live in trees

is broader giving only the continent not the subregion

Surface Forms

family Phoeniculidae singular
families Phoeniculidae plural

Morphology

family + Phoeniculidae

The phrase is fully compositional: 'family' (a taxonomic grouping) combined with the proper name 'Phoeniculidae' denotes the taxonomic family of those birds. This follows a standard scientific naming pattern that is cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can derive the meaning.

Etymology

Family Phoeniculidae may come from an old Greek word for 'purple' because the African birds in this group, called 'wood hoopoes', have shiny feathers that can look purple or green in the light. That's why the name points to their glossy feathers.