Balearica

/ˌbæliˈɛrɪkə/ noun

Definition

The crowned crane, a large African bird with a distinctive crown of stiff feathers on its head.

Etymology

Scientific Latin name, possibly referencing the Balearic Islands or derived from Mediterranean geographic naming traditions in Linnaean taxonomy.

Kelly Says

The crowned crane's scientific name 'Balearica' is mysteriously geographic—scientists aren't sure why they named an African bird after Spanish islands, but ornithological naming can be delightfully illogical!

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