Notornis

[nәu'tɔ:nis]

Definition

(noun.) flightless New Zealand birds similar to gallinules.

Edited by Clare--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A genus of birds allied to the gallinules, but having rudimentary wings and incapable of flight. Notornis Mantelli was first known as a fossil bird of New Zealand, but subsequently a few individuals were found living on the southern island. It is supposed to be now nearly or quite extinct.

Edited by Carmella

Definition

n. a genus of gigantic ralline birds with wings so much reduced as to be incapable of flight which have within historical times become extinct in New Zealand &c.

Typist: Sanford