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Rynchops

Rynchops

9.9
A seabird with a long lower beak that skims water to catch fish
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Rynchops
  • The Rynchops is easily recognized by its elongated lower mandible, which helps it catch fish while flying over water.

Examples

  • Unlike most seabirds, the Rynchops feeds by skimming the water's surface with its bill.

  • The Rynchops is often found near coastal waters.

  • Researchers studied the feeding behavior of Rynchops in South American wetlands.

  • Many Rynchopses migrate during the winter months.

  • The Rynchops is easily recognized by its elongated lower mandible, which helps it catch fish while flying over water.

  • Researchers studied the feeding behavior of Rynchops in South American wetlands.

  • Unlike most seabirds, the Rynchops feeds by skimming the water's surface with its bill.

Synonyms

Rynchopidae
vsRynchops
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of birds with long wings and a long lower bill used to skim water to catch fish

is the single genus in that family noted for its longer lower mandible
family Rynchopidae
vsRynchops
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of birds called skimmers that have long lower beaks

is the genus that fits exactly within that family and skims water to feed

Surface Forms

Rynchops singular
Rynchopses plural

Etymology

Rynchops comes from Greek roots rhynch- meaning 'beak' or 'snout' and -ops meaning 'face' or 'appearance'. So the name points to the bird's beak, which fits its long lower bill used to skim the water for food.