Definition

Noun A taxonomic family of birds within the order Charadriiformes, comprising the pratincoles and coursers. These are Old World shorebirds characterized by their long wings, short legs, and distinctive bills.

Usage

The term "family Glareolidae" is used in scientific and ornithological contexts to classify and discuss this specific group of birds. * The family Glareolidae includes both ground-dwelling coursers and aerial-feeding pratincoles. * Ornithologists study the evolutionary relationships within the family Glareolidae.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The name is always italicized in formal scientific writing. The family is part of the order Charadriiformes.
  • The species was reclassified within the *family Glareolidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Glareolidae (n): The standardized Latin scientific name for the family.
• glareolid (n, adj): A less common term referring to a member of this family or relating to it.
• pratincole (n): A member of the subfamily Glareolinae within Glareolidae, known for catching insects in flight like swallows.
• courser (n): A member of the subfamily Cursoriinae within Glareolidae, known for running swiftly in open, arid habitats.

Synonyms

• Pratincole and courser family: A descriptive synonym.

Different Meanings

This term has a single, specific zoological meaning. It does not have common English definitions outside of scientific classification.

Noun

1. Old World shorebirds: pratincoles and coursers