Dinornithidae

/ˌdaɪnoʊrˈnɪθədi/ noun

Definition

The family of giant extinct flightless birds from New Zealand, including the moas, that were wiped out centuries ago.

Etymology

From dinornis + Latin '-idae' (family suffix), formally naming the taxonomic family containing all moa species. Coined when moa bones were scientifically recognized.

Kelly Says

This single family of birds included species ranging from chicken-sized to 12-foot-tall giants weighing 500 pounds—showing that within one bird family, you could find creatures as different as chickens are from elephants!

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