Definition

Noun: - A family of birds: Meliphagidae is the scientific name for a family of passerine birds commonly known as honeyeaters. These birds are primarily native to Australia, New Guinea, and the surrounding islands. They are characterized by their brush-tipped tongues, adapted for feeding on nectar, though their diet also includes insects and fruits.

Usage Notes

• The term "family Meliphagidae" is used in formal, scientific, and ornithological contexts to classify this specific taxonomic group of birds. In everyday language, the common name "honeyeaters" is typically used instead.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The family Meliphagidae exhibits remarkable diversity in the Australasian region.
  • This species belongs to the family Meliphagidae, which includes over 180 species.
• General Context:
  • We observed several birds from the family Meliphagidae visiting the flowering gum trees.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Discussion: The term is used when discussing evolutionary relationships, morphology, or ecological roles within biological classification.
  • The phylogenetic study placed the new genus firmly within the family Meliphagidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Meliphagid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Meliphagidae; pertaining to this family.
  • The meliphagid population has declined in this habitat.
• Honeyeater (noun): The common name for birds in this family.
  • The New Holland honeyeater is a familiar meliphagid in southern Australia.

Synonyms

• Honeyeaters: This is the direct and most common synonym for the birds comprising the family Meliphagidae.
  • The honeyeaters (family Meliphagidae) are important pollinators.

Related Phrases & Terms

• Nectarivorous birds: A descriptive phrase for birds that feed on nectar, a key characteristic of the Meliphagidae family.
  • As nectarivorous birds, the family Meliphagidae plays a crucial ecological role.

Noun

1. honey eaters