Definition

Noun: - A biological classification (family) within the order Struthioniformes, comprising large, flightless, terrestrial birds native to Africa, characterized by long necks and legs, with the ostrich (Struthio camelus) as the sole extant genus and species.

Usage

• Used in scientific, zoological, and ornithological contexts to refer to the taxonomic group containing ostriches and their closest extinct relatives.
• It is a formal term, typically encountered in academic writing, biological classifications, and field guides.

Examples

• The family Struthionidae is part of the ratite group of birds.
• Ostriches, belonging to the family Struthionidae, are the world's largest living birds.
• Several extinct species are also classified within the family Struthionidae.

Advanced Usage

• In phylogenetic studies, the family Struthionidae is often discussed in relation to other ratite families like Rheidae (rheas) and Casuariidae (cassowaries and emus).
• The term is used in binomial nomenclature and taxonomic hierarchies: Kingdom: Animalia > Phylum: Chordata > Class: Aves > Order: Struthioniformes > Family: Struthionidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Struthionid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Struthionidae; pertaining to this family.
  • Struthionid birds are characterized by their powerful, two-toed feet.
• Struthio (noun): The sole extant genus within the family Struthionidae.
• Ostrich (noun): The common name for birds of the genus .

Synonyms

• Ostrich family (common, non-scientific term)

Notes

• This is a specialized scientific term. The common, everyday equivalent is simply "ostriches."
• The family name is always capitalized and italicized in scientific writing: .

Noun

1. tall terrestrial birds: ostriches