Dinornithiformes (extinct order)

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Scope note
Order containing at least 9 extinct species of flightless birds native to New Zealand. Recent genetic studies reveal that their closest relatives are the flighted South American tinamous. According to Māori tradition, moa were swift runners that defended themselves by kicking when cornered. Early Polynesian peoples hunted moa for food and made spear points, hooks, and ornaments from their bones and water carriers from their eggs.
Dinornithiformes
Accepted term: 04-Nov-2024