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Notornis

Notornis

9.9
A group of large birds from New Zealand that cannot fly, like the South Island takahē
  • noun
  • Specialized
: Notornis
  • The rare South Island takahē belongs to the genus Notornis.

Examples

  • The Notornis is a rare bird found in New Zealand.

  • The characteristics of Notornis set it apart from other genera in the rail family.

  • Scientists debated whether the extinct bird found was truly a member of Notornis.

  • Is that a Notornis?

  • The rare South Island takahē belongs to the genus Notornis.

  • The characteristics of Notornis set it apart from other genera in the rail family.

  • Scientists debated whether the extinct bird found was truly a member of Notornis.

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

The word Notornis comes from Greek words notos ('south') and ornis ('bird'), so it means 'south bird'. That's why it is the name for birds from the South Island of New Zealand, like the takahē.