A genus of kites (birds of prey) characterized by their white and gray plumage and hooked beaks.
From New Latin, likely derived from Greek elanos or a similar root. The genus name was assigned by ornithologists in the 18th or 19th century to classify these raptors.
Bird names in Latin often honor the bird's appearance or behavior—Elanus probably refers to something swift or darting, perfectly fitting kites that hunt by hovering over fields before diving down!
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