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family Bucconidae

family Bucconidae

9.9
Tropical American birds with large heads and short beaks
  • noun
  • Specialized
: familia Bucconidae
  • The family Bucconidae comprises a group of tropical birds known as puffbirds.

Examples

  • Members of the family Bucconidae are found primarily in Central and South America.

  • The family Bucconidae includes several species of puffbirds.

  • Biologists have studied the feeding habits of the family Bucconidae extensively.

  • Did you know that the family Bucconidae is found in South America?

  • The family Bucconidae consists of bird species known for their distinctive appearances and behaviors.

  • Ornithologists are fascinated by the unique characteristics of the family Bucconidae, which thrive in tropical environments.

  • In their natural habitats, members of the family Bucconidae can often be seen perched on low branches.

Synonyms

Bucconidae
vsfamily Bucconidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of tropical American birds called puffbirds with large heads and fluffy feathers

emphasizes large heads and short bills as defining features

Surface Forms

Morphology

family + Bucconidae

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'family' (a taxonomic grouping) with 'Bucconidae' (the name of a group of puffbirds); a learner who knows both constituents will understand it denotes the taxonomic family containing those birds. This compositional pattern (family + taxon name) is common in scientific naming and cross-linguistically similar, so it is readily interpretable by a B1 learner.

Etymology

Family Bucconidae is the scientific name for puffbirds and may come from an old word like bucco meaning 'puffed' or 'cheek'. That idea fits the birds' round, puffy heads and short bills, so the name helps you remember the group as 'puffbirds'.