Hesperornithid

/ˌhɛspərɔːrˈnɪθɪd/ noun

Definition

A member of the family Hesperornithidae, the extinct flightless diving birds of the Cretaceous period.

Etymology

From Hesperornis + -id (member suffix). Creates a taxonomic name for all birds sharing the characteristics of Hesperornis.

Kelly Says

Hesperornithids had teeth and legs positioned so far back they could barely walk on land—they were born to dive and never looked back, making them ocean specialists par excellence!

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