Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of bird found in Southeast Asia and the East Indies that belongs to the family Hemiprocnidae. These birds differ from true swifts (family Apodidae) in having a distinct upright crest of feathers on their heads and in their habit of nesting in trees.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We were lucky to spot a crested swift perched on a high branch.
  • Crested swifts are known for their aerial agility and distinctive head crests.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: The term is used in ornithology to specifically refer to birds of the family Hemiprocnidae, distinguishing them from the more common Apodidae swifts.
  • The study focused on the nesting behavior of the crested swift.

Variants and Related Words

• Tree swift: An alternative common name for birds in the family Hemiprocnidae.
• Hemiprocnidae: The scientific family name for crested swifts.

Synonyms

• Tree swift

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically denotes a biological classification. It is not used metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions. The key distinguishing features from "true swifts" are the upright crest and tree-nesting behavior.

Noun

1. birds of southeast Asia and East Indies differing from true swifts in having upright crests and nesting in trees