How Do You Spell ALCIDS?

Pronunciation: [ˈalsɪdz] (IPA)

The word "alcids" is a plural noun used to describe a family of seabirds that includes puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The pronunciation of this word is /ˈæls.ɪdz/, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'al-' part of the word comes from the Latin word "alca," meaning a type of sea bird. The '-cid' part of the word comes from the Greek word "kidos," meaning a young bird or nestling. When pronounced correctly, "alcids" should have two syllables, with the 'c' pronounced as a hard 'k.'

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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ALCIDS Meaning and Definition

  1. Alcids refer to a family of seabirds known as Alcidae, which are characterized by their unique physical features and behavior. These birds are commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in coastal regions and islands. They belong to the order Charadriiformes, which also includes other seabirds like gulls and auks.

    Alcids have remarkable adaptations that enable them to thrive in marine environments. They have a streamlined body, short wings, and webbed feet that allow them to dive and swim underwater with agility. These birds predominantly feed on fish and invertebrates, which they catch by diving from the surface. They are known for their excellent diving ability, capable of reaching depths of over 100 feet.

    The family Alcidae consists of several species, including the iconic tufted puffin, common murre, razorbill, and Atlantic puffin. These birds exhibit distinctive physical characteristics such as colorful beaks or bills, striking plumage, and specific breeding displays. They often form large colonies on rocky cliffs, where they build nests and raise their young.

    Alcids play a vital role in the marine ecosystem as they help regulate fish populations by consuming small prey species. They also serve as indicators of the overall health of marine environments, as their decline or disappearance may suggest environmental disturbances or changes.

    In conclusion, alcids are a diverse family of seabirds known for their remarkable diving abilities, unique physical features, and crucial role in marine ecosystems.

Common Misspellings for ALCIDS

Etymology of ALCIDS

The word "alcids" comes from the Latin term "Alca" which refers to a genus of seabirds in the family Alcidae. This Latin term is believed to be derived from the Old Danish word "alk" or the Old Norse word "álka" which both also refer to auks, the family of birds to which alcids belong. The word "alcids" is a plural form of "alcid", which is the common name used to collectively refer to various species of seabirds in the Alcidae family.