Animal Behavior Glossary

noun a bird

adjective relating to or characteristic of birds

• The avian population in the region has been steadily declining due to habitat loss.
• I love watching avian species in my backyard, especially the colorful ones.
• Check out that cool avian flying high in the sky!
• Her singing voice was so melodious, it was like listening to an avian symphony.

noun a wound or mark made by biting

verb to use the teeth to cut into something

• The dog gave a warning growl before delivering a quick bite to the intruder's leg.
• I took a big bite out of the delicious sandwich my mom made for lunch.
• I can't believe she tried to bite my style by copying my outfit.
• His harsh words seemed to bite into her confidence, leaving her feeling small.

noun a structure that is upright or vertical

verb to construct or build

adjective upright in position or posture

• The architect designed the building to have a tall and erect structure.
• He stood erect and proud as he received the award.
• The flagpole was fully erect before the storm knocked it down.
• Her erect posture showed confidence and determination.

noun the front paw of a four-footed animal

• The forepaw of the cat was injured and required medical attention.
• My dog loves to shake hands with his forepaw.
• I accidentally stepped on my cat's forepaw, and now he won't stop glaring at me.
• She used her intelligence as her forepaw to navigate through the difficult situation.

noun a slight or irregular movement or gait

verb to walk with difficulty typically due to injury or weakness

adjective not firm or stiff; lacking strength or vigor

adverb in a limping manner

• The injured man was unable to walk properly and had a noticeable limp.
• After running for so long, my legs felt like jelly and I could only limp back home.
• She was so exhausted after the marathon that she was limping like a wounded soldier.
• The company's profits began to limp along as the economy started to decline.

noun a wild cat found in Central and South America, known for its beautiful spotted fur

• The ocelot is a wild cat species native to the Americas.
• I saw an ocelot at the zoo yesterday, it was so cute!
• That ocelot is one cool cat.
• Her eyes were as fierce as an ocelot's when she was angry.

noun the scientific study of birds

• The study of birds, known as ornithology, is a fascinating field of biology.
• I've always been interested in birds and ornithology.
• Bird watching is like my hobby, I'm practically an ornithology expert.
• In the world of business, understanding market trends is like practicing ornithology to predict the future.

verb the action of breathing quickly and loudly, usually after physical exertion or excitement

• After running for several miles, the athlete was panting heavily.
• I could hear my dog panting after chasing a squirrel in the backyard.
• She was totally panting for that new guy in class.
• The engine was panting as it struggled to make it up the steep hill.

noun a quick, sharp bite or strike

verb to strike or bite with the beak or a similar instrument

• The chickens pecked at the grain scattered on the ground.
• I saw the birds pecking at the crumbs outside the bakery.
• Don't peck at me, I'll get to it when I can.
• Her constant criticism felt like a constant peck on my self-esteem.

noun a specific area of land

adjective pertaining to a particular territory

• The two countries are currently in negotiations to define their maritime territory.
• I heard that new restaurant is opening up in our territory.
• Don't mess with him, that's his territory.
• As a writer, I like to explore the uncharted territory of my imagination.

noun an animal that primarily feeds on fish

• The piscivore is a type of carnivorous animal that primarily feeds on fish.
• My cat is a piscivore - she goes crazy for any type of fish!
• That guy is a total piscivore at the sushi buffet.
• As a piscivore of knowledge, she devoured every book in the library.

noun Aegypiidae - a taxonomic family of Old World vultures

• The Aegypiidae family consists of large birds of prey commonly known as Old World vultures.
• I saw an Aegypiidae bird circling in the sky earlier today.
• Check out that Aegypiidae bird, it's massive!
• The Aegypiidae family swooped in to clean up the mess after the scandal.

noun Aelurus is a noun referring to a genus of small arboreal carnivorous mammals native to Asia, commonly known as the red panda.

• The aelurus is a small, arboreal, and carnivorous mammal native to Southeast Asia.
• I saw an aelurus climbing in the trees at the zoo.
• That aelurus is so cute, I want one as a pet!
• Her agility on the dance floor was like that of an aelurus leaping through the forest.