ratite

views updated May 23 2018

ratite A flightless, running bird that has no keel on its sternum. Aepyornithidae, Apterygidae, Casuariidae, Dinornithidae, Dromaiidae, Rheidae, and Struthionidae are all ratites.

ratite

views updated Jun 08 2018

ratite Group of large, usually flightless birds with flat breastbones instead of the keel-like prominences found in most flying birds. Ratites include the ostrich, rhea, cassowary, emu, kiwi, and the unusual flying tinamou.

ratite

views updated May 14 2018

ratite A flightless, running bird that has no keel on its sternum.