Corvids

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A family of birds known for their intelligence, including crows and ravens; characterized by their strong social behaviors and complex vocalizations; often recognized for their problem-solving abilities and adaptability in various environments
2. Birds belonging to a highly intelligent group that includes species like magpies and jays; noted for their adaptability and varied diet, they often thrive in diverse habitats; valued in studies of animal intelligence and behavior due to their innovative techniques for survival
3. A group of avian species famed for their remarkable cognitive skills, which encompasses crows, ravens, and jays

Etymology: "Corvus" is the Latin word for raven and crow, and this group of birds is named after it. Biologists mark a family by adding a suffix to a genus name, and "corvid" is the English form of that family label. The plural "corvids" refers to every member of the family, which includes crows, ravens, jays, magpies, and their relatives. The ending comes from Greek. Greek family-name endings such as "-idēs" meant "descendant of" or "son of," and later Latin and scientific naming adopted "-idae" as a standard marker for animal families. Taken together, the word points back to the raven-crow genus as the family's namesake, though the naming system itself is a modern scientific convention rather than something the Romans used.

Synonyms: crows, ravens, magpies