Charadriiformes

/ˌkærəˌdriːɪˈfɔrmiz/ noun

Definition

The scientific order of birds that includes plovers, sandpipers, gulls, terns, auks, and other shorebirds and seabirds.

Etymology

From Charadrius (plover genus) plus -iformes (order-level suffix in scientific taxonomy). The Latin nominative plural form denoting a major taxonomic order of birds.

Kelly Says

Charadriiformes is one of the biggest bird orders on Earth—it's like a massive family reunion that includes both tiny plovers that weigh less than an egg and big gulls that'll steal your sandwich.

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