DIDUNCULUS
\dɪdˈʌnkjʊləs], \dɪdˈʌnkjʊləs], \d_ɪ_d_ˈʌ_n_k_j_ʊ_l_ə_s]\
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A genus of rasorial birds of the pigeon section (Columbacei), and comprising only the one species, D. strigirostris of the Navigator Islands. This bird is of special interest as being the nearest living aily of the extinct dodo. It has a total length of about 14 inches, with a glossy plumage verging from a velvety black on the back to greenish black on the head, breast, and abdomen. The large beak, which is nearly as long as the head, is greatly arched on the upper mandible, the lower mandible being cleft into three distinct teeth near its tip. Called also GNATHODON and TOOTH-BILLED PIGEON.
By Daniel Lyons