Didunculidae

/ˌdɪdʌŋkjʊˈleɪdi/ noun

Definition

A family of small extinct dodos and pigeon-like birds from the Indian Ocean islands.

Etymology

A Latinized taxonomic name derived from 'didunculus' (a genus of dodos) plus the family suffix '-idae', following binomial nomenclature conventions established by Linnaeus.

Kelly Says

This family name encompasses some of the rarest birds ever documented—the Didunculus strigirostris still survives with fewer than 100 individuals, making it one of the world's most critically endangered birds that almost nobody has heard of.

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