family Stercorariidae

9.9

Seabirds that chase other birds and steal their food, found in cold seas

noun

Specialized

: familia Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae includes both skuas and jaegers, which are known for their aggressive feeding habits.

Examples

Research on the migratory patterns of the family Stercorariidae helps us understand changes in marine ecosystems.
Birdwatchers were thrilled to spot several members of the family Stercorariidae during the coastal expedition.
The family Stercorariidae includes various species of jaegers.
Did you know that the family Stercorariidae is known for its predatory behavior?
Birdwatchers were thrilled to spot several members of the family Stercorariidae during the coastal expedition.
Research on the migratory patterns of the family Stercorariidae helps us understand changes in marine ecosystems.
The family Stercorariidae includes both skuas and jaegers, which are known for their aggressive feeding habits.

Synonyms

Stercorariidae

vsfamily Stercorariidae

Specialized

9.9

A sea bird that chases other birds to steal their food

emphasizes polar and subpolar regions rather than aggressive behavior

Surface Forms

family Stercorariidae singular

families Stercorariidae plural

Morphology

family + Stercorariidae

The headword 'family' makes it clear to a B1 learner that this is a taxonomic grouping, so they can infer a generic meaning 'the family called Stercorariidae'. However, 'Stercorariidae' is an arbitrary Latin scientific name whose specific reference to jaegers/skuas (predatory seabirds) is not derivable from its form, so the precise semantic content requires prior knowledge.

Etymology

Family Stercorariidae may come from the old Latin word stercorarius, which means 'dung', because early observers saw these birds chase others until they dropped or vomited food that looked like waste. That strong image stuck, so the name now fits these bold seabirds, skuas and jaegers, because they often 'steal food' from other birds.