STEATORNITHIDAE Meaning and
Definition
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Steatornithidae is a taxonomic family of birds commonly known as oilbirds. It is a unique family within the avian world and consists of a single extant species, the oilbird (Steatornis caripensis), found in the northern regions of South America and certain Caribbean islands.
Oilbirds are notably different from other birds due to their specialized adaptations and behaviors. They have a sleek, oily plumage, dark brown to black in color, which earns them their name. These birds are also known for their relatively large size, with a wingspan that can reach up to 36 inches (91 cm).
Steatornithidae birds dwell in dark, cave-like environments during the day, emerging at twilight to forage for food, primarily consisting of ripe fruits, particularly those rich in oil content. This dietary preference for oily fruits gives them their unique metabolic adaptation, where they convert dietary glucose into fat and store it in their bodies. This adaptation allows them to generate energy during their nocturnal flights and roosting periods when food sources may be scarce.
Furthermore, oilbirds possess highly developed echo-location abilities, similar to bats and certain marine mammals, to navigate and locate food in the dark caves they inhabit. This unique characteristic sets them apart from most other bird species.
Given their specialized physiological and ecological characteristics, Steatornithidae represents an exceptional and fascinating taxonomic family within the avian world.
Common Misspellings for STEATORNITHIDAE
- ateatornithidae
- zteatornithidae
- xteatornithidae
- dteatornithidae
- eteatornithidae
- wteatornithidae
- sreatornithidae
- sfeatornithidae
- sgeatornithidae
- syeatornithidae
- s6eatornithidae
- s5eatornithidae
- stwatornithidae
- stsatornithidae
- stdatornithidae
- stratornithidae
- st4atornithidae
- st3atornithidae
- steztornithidae
Etymology of STEATORNITHIDAE
The word "steatornithidae" is derived from a combination of Greek and Latin roots.
The first part, "steato-", is from the Greek word "stear" (στέαρ), which means "fat" or "tallow".
The second part, "-ornith-", is from the Greek word "ornis" (όρνις), meaning "bird".
The suffix "-idae" is derived from the Latin word "idae", which is used to signify the family level in taxonomy.
Therefore, when combined, "steatornithidae" can be interpreted as "fat bird family".
