family burhinidae
A stone curlew from the family Burhinidae stands watchfully in a dry grassland.
Noun A taxonomic family of birds within the order Charadriiformes. This family comprises medium to large-sized wading birds, commonly known as stone-curlews or thick-knees. They are characterized by long legs, large eyes adapted for nocturnal or crepuscular activity, and cryptic plumage. They are typically found in open, dry habitats such as plains, savannas, and stony areas.
The term "Burhinidae" is used in scientific and ornithological contexts to classify and discuss this specific family of birds. It is a formal taxonomic name.
Examples * The family Burhinidae includes species like the Eurasian stone-curlew and the bush stone-curlew. * Ornithologists study the foraging behavior of members of the family Burhinidae. * The bird's large eyes and terrestrial habits are typical of the family Burhinidae.
- The family name is often used in its Latin form, Burhinidae, in academic texts and species classifications.
- In phylogenetic studies, the placement of Burhinidae within Charadriiformes is discussed in relation to other wader families.
- Burhinidae: The Latin/scientific name for the family.
- stone-curlew: The common name for most birds in this family.
- thick-knee: An alternative common name, referring to the bird's prominent tibiotarsal joint.
- Burhinus: The type genus of the family Burhinidae.
- Stone-curlews (as a group)
- Thick-knees (as a group)
The term "family Burhinidae" has a single, specific meaning in biological taxonomy. It does not have other general English definitions.
A stone curlew from the family Burhinidae stands watchfully in a dry grassland.
- large wading birds resembling the plovers: stone curlews