Pronunciation: [stˈɪftəld] (IPA) 
The word "Stifftailed" is spelled with a double "f" and two "t's" in the middle. The phonetic transcription in IPA is /stɪftteɪld/. The "ff" represents the sound /f/ which is pronounced by bringing the bottom lip up to the top teeth, while the two "t's" represent the sound /t/ which is produced by touching the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth. The word is often used to describe birds with a stiff, erect tail.
"Stifftailed" is an adjective used to describe a specific type of bird characterized by having a stiff and upright tail. This term is typically associated with certain bird species and refers to the unique physical attribute of their tails.
The term "stifftailed" derives from the combination of "stiff," meaning rigid or inflexible, and "tail," which refers to the appendage situated at the posterior end of an animal's body. When used in relation to avian species, "stifftailed" indicates the distinctive tail structure observed in these birds.
The stiff tail of a "stifftailed" bird generally remains straight and immobile, unlike the typical flexible and mobile tails observed in most avian species. This characteristic tail structure contributes to the bird's overall appearance and serves various functions, such as aiding in aerial maneuverability, providing stability during flight, or facilitating specific behaviors related to reproduction or courtship displays.
It is worth noting that the term "stifftailed" primarily serves as a descriptive adjective in the context of ornithology or birdwatching. Additionally, it is commonly used in scientific literature, field guides, and bird identification resources to categorize and differentiate species with this unique tail feature. Examples of bird species that are often referred to as "stifftailed" include some members of the tyrant flycatcher family, such as the Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana), and various swallows and swifts.
