Apterygidae

views updated May 18 2018

Apterygidae (kiwis; class Aves, order Apterygiformes) A family of fowl-sized, brown-grey ratites. They have short, muscular legs, and a long flexible bill with nostrils at the tip. Their feathers are loose and hair-like. They have vestigial wings and no tail. They are small-eyed and mainly nocturnal, inhabiting thick forests and nesting in burrows. They feed on grubs and worms. The family comprises one genus (Apteryx) containing three species, all of them endemic to New Zealand.

Apterygiformes

views updated May 14 2018

Apterygiformes (kiwis; class Aves) An order that comprises one family, Apterygidae.

apteryx

views updated May 21 2018

apteryx kiwi. XIX. — modL., f. A-4 + Gr. ptérux wing.

Apteryx

views updated Jun 27 2018

Apteryx (kiwis) See APTERYGIDAE.