ratite

views updated May 23 2018

ratite A flightless, running bird that has no keel on its sternum. Aepyornithidae, Apterygidae, Casuariidae, Dinornithidae, Dromaiidae, Rheidae, and Struthionidae are all ratites.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

ratite

views updated Jun 08 2018

ratite Group of large, usually flightless birds with flat breastbones instead of the keel-like prominences found in most flying birds. Ratites include the ostrich, rhea, cassowary, emu, kiwi, and the unusual flying tinamou.

World Encyclopedia

ratite

views updated May 14 2018

ratite A flightless, running bird that has no keel on its sternum.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

ratite

All Sources -
Updated Aug 24 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic

You Might Also Like