Definition

Noun: - Family Phalacrocoracidae: A taxonomic family of aquatic birds commonly known as cormorants. These birds are characterized by their dark plumage, long necks, hooked bills, and webbed feet. They are expert divers and fishers, found in coastal and inland waters worldwide.

Usage

• The term is used in scientific and ornithological contexts to classify and discuss this specific group of birds.
• It is a formal, taxonomic name.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• In cladistics or phylogenetic studies, the term specifies an evolutionary clade.
  • The research aimed to resolve the phylogenetic relationships within the family Phalacrocoracidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Phalacrocoracidae: The same term, often used without "family" in technical writing.
• Cormorant (n): The common name for any bird belonging to this family.
  • We saw a cormorant diving for fish.
• Shag (n): A common name for certain species within the family, particularly in the genus .
  • The European shag is a member of the family Phalacrocoracidae.

Synonyms

• Cormorant family: A less formal, descriptive synonym.
• Phalacrocoracids: A term for members of this family.

Related Idioms or Phrases

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically for this scientific term.

Noun

1. cormorants