Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus of birds: "Genus Ixobrychus" is the scientific name for a genus of small bitterns within the family Ardeidae. These are wading birds, typically smaller than other herons and bitterns, often found in reed beds and marshes.

Usage

• The term "genus Ixobrychus" is used primarily in scientific, ornithological, and taxonomic contexts to classify and discuss this specific group of birds.
• It is always capitalized and italicized in formal scientific writing, following the convention for genus names.

Examples

• In scientific classification: "The least bittern belongs to ."
• In ornithological discussion: "Researchers are studying the migratory patterns of species across continents."
• In descriptive text: "Several species within are known for their remarkable camouflage among reeds."

Advanced Usage

• In binomial nomenclature: The genus name forms the first part of a species' two-part scientific name. For example, is the scientific name for the least bittern.
• In phylogenetic studies: The term is used when discussing the evolutionary relationships between and other genera of herons and bitterns.

Variants and Related Words

• Ixobrychus (n): The standard abbreviated form of the full term "genus Ixobrychus," used identically in scientific literature.
• Bittern (n): The common name for birds in the subfamily Botaurinae, which includes the genus .
• Species (n): A lower taxonomic rank. Members of include species such as (yellow bittern) and (cinnamon bittern).

Synonyms

• Small bitterns (n): A descriptive, non-scientific term referring to birds of this genus.
• Dwarf bitterns (n): Another common name occasionally used for some species in this genus, highlighting their small size.

Related Terms (Conceptual)

• Taxonomy (n): The science of classification. is a unit within biological taxonomy.
• Type genus (n): A concept in taxonomy. is the type genus for the subfamily Ixobrychini.
• Monotypic genus (n): A genus containing only one species. is not monotypic, as it contains multiple species.

Noun

1. bitterns