Definition

Proper noun * Family Cathartidae: A biological family of large birds of prey, commonly known as New World vultures. This family includes scavenging birds such as condors, turkey vultures, and king vultures. They are primarily found in the Americas and are characterized by a keen sense of smell (for locating carrion), bald heads, and powerful soaring flight.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Andean condor is the largest flying bird in the world and belongs to the family Cathartidae.
  • Ornithologists study the evolutionary links between the family Cathartidae and other raptor families.
  • Unlike Old World vultures, members of the family Cathartidae rely more on smell than sight to find food.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: In scientific classification, "family Cathartidae" is a specific taxonomic rank (family) within the order Accipitriformes. It is always capitalized when referring to the formal biological family.
  • The research paper focused on the phylogenetic placement of the family Cathartidae.
• Informal Reference: In less formal or educational contexts, it can be used to group these birds scientifically.
  • All New World vultures are classified under family Cathartidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Cathartid (noun): A member of the family Cathartidae; a New World vulture.
  • The turkey vulture is a common cathartid in North America.
• New World vulture (noun): The common name for any bird in the family Cathartidae.
  • The California condor is a critically endangered New World vulture.

Synonyms

• New World vultures (noun, common name): The collective term for birds in this family.
• American vultures (noun, common name): Another descriptive term for the family, referencing their geographic range.

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Old World vulture (noun): Refers to vultures from the family Accipitridae (e.g., griffon vulture), found in Africa, Asia, and Europe, which are not part of the Cathartidae family. They are an example of convergent evolution.
• Scavenger (noun): A general term for an animal that feeds on dead organic material. All members of the family Cathartidae are scavengers, but not all scavengers are cathartids.
• Raptor / Bird of prey (noun): A broad category that includes Cathartidae, as well as eagles, hawks, and falcons, which typically hunt live prey.

Noun

1. condors; turkey buzzards; king vultures