Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
subfamily Emberizidae

subfamily Emberizidae

9.9
A group of small birds like buntings and some sparrows that eat seeds
  • noun
  • /sʌbˈfæmɪli ˌɛmˈbɛrɪˌzaɪdi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : subfamilia Emberizidae
  • Many field guides include buntings and sparrows under the classification of subfamily Emberizidae.

Examples

  • Researchers are studying migration patterns within the subfamily Emberizidae, especially among North American sparrows.

  • The subfamily Emberizidae encompasses many species known for their melodic songs and colorful plumage.

  • The subfamily Emberizidae includes various species of buntings.

  • Many birds in the subfamily Emberizidae are known for their colorful plumage.

  • Many field guides include buntings and sparrows under the classification of subfamily Emberizidae.

  • Researchers are studying migration patterns within the subfamily Emberizidae, especially among North American sparrows.

  • The subfamily Emberizidae encompasses many species known for their melodic songs and colorful plumage.

Synonyms

subfamily Emberizinae
vssubfamily Emberizidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small songbirds like buntings and some sparrows

is the broader taxonomic group rather than this named subgroup
Emberizidae
vssubfamily Emberizidae
  • Specialized
9.9

Group of small songbirds like buntings and sparrows

is a narrower taxonomic group within that larger family

Surface Forms

subfamily Emberizidae singular
subfamilies Emberizidae plural

Morphology

subfamily + Emberizidae

The phrase is fully compositional: 'subfamily' signals a taxonomic rank and 'Emberizidae' names the specific taxon (buntings and New World sparrows), so the combined meaning — a taxonomic subgroup named Emberizidae — is directly derivable. While technical, this naming pattern is transparent and parallels cross-linguistic taxonomic constructions, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can understand it.

Etymology

Subfamily Emberizidae gets its name from an old word 'emberiza' for the bunting, a small seed-eating bird. So the name points to a group of birds, especially buntings and some sparrows, that share similar looks and songs, and that is why people use it for that group today.