Definition

Proper noun * Threskiornithidae: The scientific name for a family of long-legged wading birds, commonly known as ibises and spoonbills. This family is characterized by long, slender, downcurved bills (ibises) or distinctive flattened, spoon-shaped bills (spoonbills).

Usage

• The word "Threskiornithidae" is used almost exclusively in formal, scientific, or zoological contexts to classify and discuss these birds as a taxonomic group.
• It is typically preceded by the word "family" to specify its rank in biological classification (Family: Threskiornithidae).

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The scarlet ibis belongs to the family Threskiornithidae.
  • Ornithologists are studying the migratory patterns within Threskiornithidae.
  • The roseate spoonbill is a member of Family Threskiornithidae, which also includes various ibis species.

Advanced Usage

• In academic writing, the family name may be used alone after its first introduction with "family."
  • Initial mention: "Birds of the family Threskiornithidae are found worldwide."
  • Subsequent mention: "Threskiornithidae typically inhabit wetlands."

Variants and Related Words

• Threskiornithid (noun/adjective): A less common term referring to a member of this family or relating to it.
  • Adjective: "Threskiornithid morphology is adapted for probing in mud."
• Ibises (noun): The common name for birds in the subfamily Threskiornithinae within this family.
• Spoonbills (noun): The common name for birds in the subfamily Plataleinae within this family.

Synonyms

• Ibises and spoonbills: This is the standard common-name description for the family.
• Wading birds: A broader category that includes Threskiornithidae along with herons, storks, and flamingos.

Noun

1. ibises