notornis

noun

A takahe.

noun

A genus of gigantic ralline birds of New Zealand and some other islands, with rudimentary wings, related to the gallinules of the genus Porphyrio, supposed to have become extinct within a few years. N. mantelli is the type-species.

proper noun

A genus of birds allied to the gallinules, but having rudimentary wings and incapable of flight. Notornis Mantelli was first known as a fossil bird of New Zealand, but subsequently a few individuals were found living on the southern island. It is supposed to be now nearly or quite extinct.

noun

flightless New Zealand birds similar to gallinules