Burhinus

/bɜːrˈhaɪnəs/ noun

Definition

The genus of stone-curlews, nocturnal ground-dwelling birds with large eyes, cryptic plumage, and long legs.

Etymology

Modern Latin genus name, possibly from Greek 'bur-' (related to burrow or cave) + '-hinus' (relating to), though the exact etymology is debated by ornithologists.

Kelly Says

Scientists named them 'burrow-nosed' (possibly) or something similar in Latin, but stone-curlews don't actually burrow—sometimes old scientific names don't perfectly describe the animals!

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