family Pandionidae

9.9

A group of large birds of prey that catch fish, like ospreys

noun
/ˈfæmɪli pænˈdiənɪdeɪ/

Specialized

: familia Pandionidae

The family Pandionidae consists of only one living species, the osprey.

Examples

Taxonomists classify ospreys under the family Pandionidae due to their unique characteristics.
The family Pandionidae includes the majestic osprey.
Birdwatchers were excited to spot a member of the family Pandionidae near the river.
Did you know the family Pandionidae is known for its fishing skills?
Birdwatchers were excited to spot a member of the family Pandionidae near the river.
Taxonomists classify ospreys under the family Pandionidae due to their unique characteristics.
Did you know the family Pandionidae is known for its impressive fishing skills?

Synonyms

Pandionidae

vsfamily Pandionidae

Specialized

9.9

A family of birds of prey made up only of ospreys that live by water around the world

focuses on their fish eating diet rather than habitat

Surface Forms

family Pandionidae singular

families Pandionidae plural

Morphology

family + Pandionidae

This phrase is compositional: it names a taxonomic grouping by combining the noun 'family' (a scientific grouping) with the taxon name 'Pandionidae'. If a learner knows both constituents, the meaning — the family called Pandionidae (i.e. the group containing ospreys) — is directly derivable. Such noun + taxon constructions are standard and cross-linguistically transparent in scientific naming.

Etymology

Family Pandionidae may come from the name Pandion, a king in old Greek stories who was linked with birds, and scientists used his name for this group. So family Pandionidae now means the bird family that includes the 'osprey'.