Definition

Noun: - Family Psittacidae: A biological family of birds coextensive with the order Psittaciformes. This family traditionally includes most parrots, such as macaws, parakeets, lorikeets, and related species, characterized by strong curved beaks and often bright plumage.

Usage

• The term is used in scientific and zoological contexts to classify a major group of parrot species.
• It is a taxonomic unit in biological classification.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• In modern taxonomy, the classification of parrots is sometimes revised. The traditional family Psittacidae may be split, with some species (like cockatoos) placed in separate families (e.g., Cacatuidae). Therefore, the term can be used in both a broad traditional sense and a more restricted modern sense.

Variants and Related Words

• Psittacidae: The standard form, often used interchangeably with "family Psittacidae."
• Psittacine (adj): Relating to or characteristic of parrots (the family Psittacidae).
  • Psittacine birds are known for their intelligence.
• Psittaciformes (n): The order to which this family belongs.

Synonyms

• Parrot family: A common, non-scientific synonym.
• True parrots: A term sometimes used to distinguish members of Psittacidae from other parrot-like birds like cockatoos in broader discussions.

Notes

• This is a specialized scientific term. In everyday language, "parrots" is the common word.
• The definition "coextensive with the order Psittaciformes" reflects the traditional view where the family and the order contained the same species. This is an example of a historical taxonomic classification.

Noun

1. coextensive with the order Psittaciformes