FAMILY STERCORARIIDAE Meaning and
Definition
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Family Stercorariidae, commonly known as Jaegers, is a taxonomic family of seabirds belonging to the order Charadriiformes. The term Stercorariidae is derived from the Latin word “stercus,” meaning excrement, which refers to the feeding habits of these birds that are often associated with scavenging.
The family Stercorariidae comprises three species: the Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus), the Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus), and the Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus). Jaegers are medium-sized birds, typically measuring between 40 to 65 centimeters in length, with a graceful, streamlined body and long, pointed wings, which enable them to be powerful and agile fliers. They have a global distribution, mainly inhabiting the coastal regions and open sea areas of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
The diet of Stercorariidae primarily consists of fish, as well as other marine organisms, which they acquire through various foraging techniques such as aerial pursuit, kleptoparasitism, and scavenging. Jaegers are known for their exceptional flying ability and aggressive behavior, often engaging in aerial attacks to steal food from other seabirds or forcing them to regurgitate their recent catch.
These birds are renowned for their beautiful plumage, exhibiting a variety of color morphs and stunning breeding plumage patterns, often marked with intricate speckling and barring. The breeding season for Jaegers occurs during the spring and summer months, in which they form monogamous pairs and establish nesting colonies in the Arctic and subarctic regions. They typically lay one or two eggs, which both parents incub
Common Misspellings for FAMILY STERCORARIIDAE
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Etymology of FAMILY STERCORARIIDAE
The word "Family Stercorariidae" has a Latin-based etymology. "Family" comes from the Latin word "familia", meaning household or family. "Stercorariidae" is the scientific name of a taxonomic family that includes certain species of seabirds known as skuas. This name is derived from the Latin word "stercorarius", which means pertaining to dung or manure. This name was given to skuas due to their habit of harassing other birds (such as gulls) to dislodge their prey or steal food, which led to them being associated with dung heaps where scavengers often gather. Hence, the name "Stercorariidae" suggests the behavior and ecological niche of these seabirds.
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