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Glite Dictionary
Burhinidae

Burhinidae

9.9
A group of large birds like stone-curlews that walk in shallow water in warm open places
  • noun
  • /ˌbɜːrɪˈniːdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Burhinidae
  • The Burhinidae family includes species like the stone-curlew, which are often found in warm, coastal habitats.

Examples

  • The large wading birds of the Burhinidae family have adapted to thrive in arid environments.

  • In some shorebirds, such as oystercatchers (Haematopodidae) and thick-knees (Burhinidae), the young are fed by the parents, whereas in many others the young require less care; the parents only brood them and defend them from predators.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Birdwatchers in the region are excited to spot the unique Burhinidae, known for their distinctive appearance.

Synonyms

family Burhinidae
vsBurhinidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large birds called stone curlews with large yellow eyes that are active at night

has identical meaning but states the location more simply as warm regions

Compounds

family Burhinidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large birds called stone curlews with large yellow eyes that are active at night

Surface Forms

Burhinidae singular
Burhinidae plural

Morphology

Burhinidae = Burhinus (opaque) = Burhinus + idae

This is a specialized taxonomic formation (genus name + '-idae' for family) that an average learner cannot reliably interpret from its parts.

Etymology

Burhinidae comes from the scientific name Burhinus, which is made from Greek words bous 'ox' and rhinos 'nose', plus the family ending -idae. So it means 'ox-nosed', a simple image to help you remember these large wading birds called stone-curlews with strong, thick beaks that live in warm places.