Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic genus of seabirds: "Genus Catharacta" is the scientific name for a group of large, predatory seabirds commonly known as skuas. These birds are known for their aggressive behavior, often stealing food from other birds.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The ornithologist studied several species within the genus Catharacta.
  • Genus Catharacta includes birds that are formidable predators in their coastal habitats.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification: The term is used in scientific contexts to categorize and discuss this specific group of birds.
  • The paper proposed a revision of the genus Catharacta based on new genetic data.

Variants and Related Words

• Catharacta (n): The abbreviated form of the genus name, often used in technical writing.
  • The specimen was identified as Catharacta skua.
• Skua (n): The common name for birds of this genus.
  • We saw a skua, a member of genus Catharacta, chasing a gull.

Synonyms

• Skua: The common name for birds belonging to this genus.
• Jaeger (Note: In some classifications, "jaeger" refers to smaller, related species in the genus , but the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in general contexts for similar seabirds).

Related Phrases

• Member of Catharacta: A phrase used to specify an individual bird's taxonomic group.
  • The great skua is a prominent member of Catharacta.

Noun

1. skuas