Cacatuinae

/ˌkɑːkəˈtuːɪni/ noun

Definition

A subfamily of cockatoos within the family Cacatuidae, used in scientific classification of these birds.

Etymology

From Cacatuidae + Latin -inae (subfamily suffix). Scientific nomenclature breaks down the cockatoo family into smaller groups based on characteristics.

Kelly Says

Scientific classification shows that white cockatoos and black cockatoos are so different they needed separate subfamily names—sometimes what looks like one group is actually cousins who evolved apart long ago.

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