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Glite Dictionary
Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocoracidae

9.9
A family of water birds like cormorants that dive to catch fish
  • noun
  • /ˌfæl.əˌkrɒk.əˈrɑː.sɪ.diː/
  • Specialized
: Phalacrocoracidae
  • In coastal waters, Phalacrocoracidae can often be seen diving underwater to catch fish.

Examples

  • The Phalacrocoracidae family includes various species of cormorants.

  • Did you know that Phalacrocoracidae are excellent divers?

  • A new field guide details the global diversity of Phalacrocoracidae.

  • Many ornithologists study the diving techniques unique to Phalacrocoracidae.

  • The Phalacrocoracidae family includes several species found in coastal regions around the world.

  • The Phalacrocoracidae family includes several species of cormorants that are known for their exceptional fishing skills.

  • Many ornithologists study the unique adaptations of Phalacrocoracidae to understand their diving abilities.

Synonyms

cormorant
vsPhalacrocoracidae
5 8.8

A large dark bird with a long neck that catches fish

refers to the whole family group rather than one bird species
family Phalacrocoracidae
vsPhalacrocoracidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of sea birds called cormorants with dark feathers and hooked bills that dive for fish

focuses on diving ability and long necks rather than plumage

Surface Forms

Phalacrocoracidae singular
Phalacrocoracidae plural

Morphology

Phalacrocoracidae = Phalacrocorax (opaque) = Phalacrocorax + idae

The formation uses a specialized taxonomic suffix (-idae) attached to a Latinized genus name; this formation is technical and not transparently meaningful to average learners.

Etymology

Phalacrocoracidae comes from the old Greek name Phalacrocorax, made of phalacro- meaning 'bald' and corax meaning 'raven'. People called them 'bald ravens' because cormorants are often black like ravens and have bare skin on their heads, so the family name fits these long-necked, hooked-bill diving birds.