Chionididae

/ˌkaɪoʊˈnɪdɪdeɪ/ noun

Definition

A family of small to medium-sized seabirds found in southern oceans, including the sheathbills, which are adapted to cold polar climates.

Etymology

From 'Chionis' (a genus in the family) plus Linnaean family suffix '-idae.' The genus name derives from 'Chionis,' a figure in Greek mythology, though the mythological connection is unclear.

Kelly Says

Sheathbills are the only birds with hooves—wait, not hooves, but they're the only web-footed birds without webs, and they're incredibly weird polar scavengers that seem almost out of place in nature's design.

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