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Glite Dictionary
Anhingidae

Anhingidae

9.9
A group of large water birds with long necks called snakebirds or darters that swim in warm places
  • noun
  • /ˌænˈhɪŋɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Anhingidae
  • The Anhingidae are often seen swimming with only their necks above water.

Examples

  • The Anhingidae family includes several species of snakebirds.

  • Birdwatchers spotted several members of the Anhingidae family in the wetlands.

  • The unique hunting technique of the Anhingidae makes them fascinating to observe.

  • Did you know that Anhingidae are often found near freshwater lakes?

  • Birdwatchers spotted several members of the Anhingidae family in the wetlands.

  • The Anhingidae are often seen swimming with only their necks above water.

  • The unique hunting technique of the Anhingidae makes them fascinating to observe.

Surface Forms

Anhingidae singular
Anhingidaes plural

Morphology

Anhingidae = anhinga (semi-transparent) = anhinga + idae

Formally built from the taxonomic name 'anhinga' plus the scientific family suffix '-idae'; the formation is regular in biology but the suffix is specialized and not obvious to general learners.

Etymology

Anhingidae comes from the bird name anhinga, from a South American language where it meant 'snake bird' or 'devil' because of the bird's long, thin neck. The ending -idae is used to mean a family or group of animals, so Anhingidae is the family of those long-necked 'snakebirds' often seen swimming with only their necks above water.