A taxonomic order of flightless birds that includes kiwis and historically included other wingless species; characterized by the absence of functional wings for flight.
From Greek a- (without) + pteryges (wings) + -formes (Latin suffix meaning 'of the form of'). This high-level taxonomic classification groups birds that lack functional wings.
Apterygiformes literally means 'winged like a wingless bird'—it's nature's way of saying 'they look like birds but forgot how to fly'!
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