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Glite Dictionary
family Laniidae

family Laniidae

9.1
A group of birds called shrikes with hooked beaks that hunt small animals
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˈleɪniˌaɪdi/
  • Specialized
: familia Laniidae
  • The family Laniidae includes several species of shrikes found across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Examples

  • The hooked bill is a distinctive feature of the family Laniidae.

  • The family Laniidae consists of birds that possess hooked beaks and are skilled hunters.

  • Researchers studied the hunting behaviors of birds in the family Laniidae.

  • The family Laniidae includes various species of shrikes.

  • Many birds in the family Laniidae are known for their unique hunting techniques.

  • Bird enthusiasts often observe the family Laniidae for their impressive predatory behavior.

  • In the family Laniidae, shrikes are known to catch insects and small animals with great precision.

Synonyms

Laniidae
vsfamily Laniidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of birds called shrikes with hooked beaks that catch prey

is the same taxonomic group but the name includes its rank word

Surface Forms

family Laniidae singular
families Laniidae plural

Morphology

family + Laniidae

The phrase is compositionally built: 'family' denotes a scientific grouping and 'Laniidae' is the taxon name for the shrike family, so together they directly mean the family called Laniidae. This follows standard taxonomic naming patterns (cross-linguistically common), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Family Laniidae comes from the old Latin word Lanius, which means 'butcher'. Shrikes in this family often catch small animals and stick them on thorns or wire like a butcher hangs meat, so the name explains their hooked beak and hunting habits.