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Glite Dictionary
family Plataleidae

family Plataleidae

9.3
A group of wading birds with long legs and spoon-shaped bills
  • noun
  • Specialized
: familia Plataleidae
  • Members of the family Plataleidae are easily recognized by their unique spoon-shaped bills.

Examples

  • Many birds in the family Plataleidae are found in wetlands.

  • Scientists studied the migration patterns of the family Plataleidae across continents.

  • The family Plataleidae includes all species of spoonbills found around the world.

  • The family Plataleidae includes several species of spoonbills.

  • Birdwatchers often seek out members of the family Plataleidae for their striking appearance and unique feeding habits.

  • The family Plataleidae is notable for its distinctively long legs and beautifully curved bills.

  • In wetlands, you can often observe the feeding behaviors of the family Plataleidae as they search for food.

Synonyms

Plataleidae
vsfamily Plataleidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large birds that feed in shallow water with long flat bills like spoons

has identical meaning but emphasizes long legs instead of bill flatness

Surface Forms

family Plataleidae singular
families Plataleidae plural

Morphology

family + Plataleidae

The phrase is directly compositional: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with 'Plataleidae' (the taxonomic name for spoonbills) yields 'the family of spoonbills.' This follows a standard, cross-linguistic taxonomic noun + name pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Family Plataleidae comes from the old word Platalea, thought to mean 'broad' or 'flat', which paints a picture of the birds' wide, spoon-shaped bill. So, the name helps you remember this family is the spoonbills — wading birds with long legs and a wide bill.