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Glite Dictionary
Balaenicipitidae

Balaenicipitidae

9.9
A group of large African birds that feed while standing in shallow water, including the shoebill
  • noun
  • /ˌbæl.eɪ.nɪˈsɪp.ɪ.tɪ.deɪ/
  • Specialized
: Balaenicipitidae
  • The family Balaenicipitidae is represented today by only one living species, the shoebill.

Examples

  • Ornithologists debated whether to classify the Balaenicipitidae alongside herons or storks.

  • The family Balaenicipitidae, which includes the shoebill, is native to the wetlands of Africa.

  • The unique features of Balaenicipitidae set them apart from other waterbirds.

  • Look! A Balaenicipitidae!

  • The Balaenicipitidae family is known for its unique appearance.

  • Conservationists are studying the habitat of the Balaenicipitidae to ensure its survival.

  • Many bird watchers travel to Africa to see the rare Balaenicipitidae in its natural environment.

Synonyms

family Balaenicipitidae
vsBalaenicipitidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large African birds that wade in water and has only one kind, the shoebill

is the same but explicitly states it has only one species

Compounds

family Balaenicipitidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large African birds that wade in water and has only one kind, the shoebill

Surface Forms

Balaenicipitidae singular
Balaenicipitidae plural

Morphology

Balaenicipitidae = Balaeniceps (opaque) = Balaeniceps + idae

Formed by adding the scientific family suffix '-idae' to a Latinized genus name; this technical formation is not transparent to general learners.

Etymology

Balaenicipitidae comes from the genus Balaeniceps, made of balaena meaning 'whale', -ceps meaning 'head', and the family ending -idae meaning 'family'. This 'whale-head' name points to the shoebill's very large head and bill, so Balaenicipitidae is the family name for the unusual African shoebill.