Heliornis

/ˌhiːliˈɔːrnɪs/ noun

Definition

A genus of small waterbirds also called sungrebe or finfoots, known for their adaptation to aquatic life in sunny tropical regions.

Etymology

From Greek helios (sun) + ornis (bird). This genus was named by early ornithologists using Greek roots to describe sun-dwelling birds.

Kelly Says

Sungrebes are bizarre little birds with lobed toes like grebes, but they're actually closer to cranes—and the chicks have a wild adaptation where the parent bird carries them tucked under its wings while flying, like tiny feathered helicopters!

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