caprimulgidae

Thân thiện

A common nighthawk, a member of the Caprimulgidae family, rests on a tree branch at dusk.

Definition

Noun: - Caprimulgidae: A family of nocturnal birds commonly known as nightjars or goatsuckers. These birds are characterized by their cryptic plumage, large eyes adapted for low-light vision, small beaks with a wide gape, and a diet primarily consisting of flying insects caught in flight.

Usage

• The term is used in formal ornithological contexts to classify and discuss this specific family of birds.
• It is a singular, proper noun referring to the taxonomic family.

Examples

• The Caprimulgidae are most active at dawn and dusk.
• Several species within the Caprimulgidae family are known for their distinctive churring calls.
• Ornithologists study the migration patterns of Caprimulgidae.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific literature, the name is often used in its Latin form to avoid ambiguity: "The study focused on the foraging ecology of the ."
• It can be used attributively as a noun modifier: "Caprimulgidae species exhibit remarkable camouflage."

Variants and Related Words

• Caprimulgid (noun/adjective): A member of the Caprimulgidae family; pertaining to the Caprimulgidae.
  • The caprimulgid was spotted perched on a branch.
• Nightjar (noun): A common name for many birds in this family.
• Goatsucker (noun): An old common name for these birds, based on a folk myth that they suck milk from goats.

Synonyms

• Nightjars: The most widely used common name for the family.
• Goatsuckers: An archaic synonym based on folklore.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is strictly taxonomic, referring to the biological family. It does not have other general meanings.
• The common name "goatsucker" originates from the mistaken belief that these birds drank milk from livestock, but this is not reflected in the scientific term's definition.

Học thuật

Noun

1. goatsuckers

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Caprimulgidae
• family Caprimulgidae