Definition

Noun: - Swifts: A biological family of birds known for their fast flight; small, highly aerial birds with long, slender wings and short legs. In older classification systems, this family was sometimes included within the order Coraciiformes (which includes kingfishers and bee-eaters).

Usage Notes

• The term "family Apodidae" is used in scientific and ornithological contexts to classify a specific taxonomic group of birds. It is a formal, technical term.
• The common name for members of this family is "swifts."

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The family Apodidae comprises over 100 species of swifts.
  • Researchers studied the migratory patterns of the family Apodidae.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Discussion: Used to discuss evolutionary relationships, anatomical features (e.g., wing morphology), or ecological roles specific to this bird family.
  • The placement of the family Apodidae has been revised; it is now firmly placed in the order Apodiformes.

Variants and Related Words

• Apodidae: The same term without the word "family"; often used interchangeably in technical writing.
• Swift (n): The common name for any bird belonging to the family Apodidae.
  • The common swift (Apus apus) is a well-known member of the family Apodidae.
• Apodiform (adj): Relating to the order Apodiformes, which includes the family Apodidae.
  • Apodiform birds are characterized by their small feet.

Synonyms

• Swifts: This is the direct common-name synonym for the family.

Notes on Classification

• The reference context notes that "in former classifications [it was] included in the order Coraciiformes." This highlights a historical taxonomic classification that has been updated. Modern taxonomy places the family Apodidae within its own order, Apodiformes.

Noun

1. swifts; in former classifications included in the order Coraciiformes