Anastomus

/əˈnæstəməs/ noun

Definition

A genus of wading birds known as the black skimmer, which has an unusual lower jaw that extends beyond the upper jaw.

Etymology

Modern Latin name combining Greek ana- (up) and stoma (mouth), literally describing the bird's distinctive mouth structure that appears 'turned upward.'

Kelly Says

The black skimmer's weird long lower jaw isn't a design flaw—it's a fishing tool that lets the bird skim its bill through water to snap up fish in one motion.

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