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notornis

notornis

9.9
A large rare bird from New Zealand that cannot fly
  • noun
  • /noʊˈtɔrnɪs/
  • Archaic
: notornis
  • The notornis is a unique bird found only in New Zealand.

Examples

  • Visitors to New Zealand's Fiordland sometimes hope to catch a glimpse of the elusive notornis.

  • A group of conservationists is working to protect the habitat of the endangered notornis.

  • The discovery of the notornis in the 20th century astonished ornithologists worldwide.

  • Have you ever seen a notornis in its natural habitat?

  • A group of conservationists is working to protect the habitat of the endangered notornis.

  • Visitors to New Zealand's Fiordland sometimes hope to catch a glimpse of the elusive notornis.

  • Have you ever seen a notornis in its natural habitat?

Synonyms

takahe
vsnotornis
  • New Zealand
1 9.9

A large flightless bird from New Zealand with bright blue and green feathers

focuses on its rarity rather than vivid plumage
Notornis mantelli
vsnotornis
  • Specialized
9.9

A large flightless bird from New Zealand with bright blue and green feathers

is the general descriptive name that notes its rarity

Compounds

Notornis mantelli
  • Specialized
9.9

A large flightless bird from New Zealand with bright blue and green feathers

Surface Forms

notornis singular
notornises plural

Etymology

Notornis comes from Greek parts notos 'south' and ornis 'bird'. That's why the name fits a large, rare flightless New Zealand bird—literally a 'southern bird'.