family Stercorariidae
Definition
- Noun:
- A taxonomic family of seabirds: "Stercorariidae" is the scientific family name for a group of birds commonly known as jaegers and skuas. These are medium-to-large seabirds known for their predatory and kleptoparasitic behavior.
Usage Notes
- The term "Stercorariidae" is used primarily in scientific, ornithological, and taxonomic contexts. It is a formal, technical term.
- In everyday language, the common names "jaeger" (especially in North America) or "skua" (especially in the UK) are used instead.
Examples
- Noun:
- The bird guide listed the parasitic jaeger under the family Stercorariidae.
- Ornithologists study the feeding habits of the Stercorariidae.
Advanced Usage
- In binomial nomenclature: The family name is part of the hierarchical classification of life. For example, the Great Skua's full classification includes: Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Stercorariidae, Genus: , Species: .
- In ecological studies: The term is used when discussing the role of these birds as apex predators or kleptoparasites in marine ecosystems.
Variants and Related Words
- Stercorariid (adj/n): Of or pertaining to the family Stercorariidae; a member of this family.
- The stercorariid birds circled the fishing boat.
- Jaeger (n): The common name for the smaller, more agile species within Stercorariidae (genus ), known for chasing other birds to steal their food.
- Skua (n): The common name for the larger, more robust species within Stercorariidae, known for direct predation and scavenging.
Synonyms
- Jaeger family: A less formal synonym referencing the common name.
- Skua family: A less formal synonym referencing the common name.
Related Terms (Not Synonyms)
- Kleptoparasite: An organism that steals food from another. This is a key behavioral trait of many Stercorariidae.
- Charadriiformes: The larger biological order to which the family Stercorariidae belongs, which also includes gulls, terns, auks, and plovers.
Noun
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jaegers and skuas:
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