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Glite Dictionary
Rynchopidae

Rynchopidae

9.9
A family of birds with long wings and a long lower bill used to skim water to catch fish
  • noun
  • /rɪŋˈkoʊpɪdi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Rynchopidae
  • The Rynchopidae are easily recognized by their elongated lower mandibles, which help them catch fish while flying.

Examples

  • Unlike other bird families, Rynchopidae have distinctive feeding habits that involve skimming the water's surface.

  • Conservationists are concerned about habitat loss affecting several species in the Rynchopidae family.

  • The Rynchopidae family includes several fascinating species.

  • Did you know that the Rynchopidae are known for their unique feeding habits?

  • The Rynchopidae family, known as skimmers, can be seen gliding above the water as they look for fish.

  • Birdwatchers often try to spot the Rynchopidae because of their unique bill shape and feeding behavior.

  • Among the diverse bird families, the Rynchopidae stand out for their long wings and the way they skim across the water.

Synonyms

family Rynchopidae
vsRynchopidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of birds called skimmers that have long lower beaks

focuses on long wings and the special bill used for skimming
Rynchops
vsRynchopidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A seabird with a long lower beak that skims water to catch fish

uses the higher taxonomic rank rather than the genus label

Compounds

family Rynchopidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of birds called skimmers that have long lower beaks

Surface Forms

Rynchopidae singular
Rynchopidae plural

Morphology

Rynchopidae = Rynchops (opaque) = Rynchops + idae

The suffix '-idae' is a specialised scientific family-ending unfamiliar to average learners, so the meaning is not easily derivable from the components for a general audience.

Etymology

Rynchopidae comes from Greek parts rhynch- meaning 'beak' or 'snout' and the ending -idae meaning 'family', so the name points to these birds' special long bills. These birds are called skimmers, and that image helps you remember how they use their long lower beak to 'skim' the water for food.