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Webster 1913 Edition
Aves
‖
A′ves
,Noun.
pl.
[L., pl. of
avis
bird.] (Zool.)
The class of Vertebrata that includes the birds.
☞ Aves, or birds, have a complete double circulation, oviparous reproduction, front limbs peculiarly modified as wings; and they bear feathers. All existing birds have a horny beak, without teeth; but some Mesozoic fossil birds (Odontornithes) had conical teeth inserted in both jaws. The principal groups are:
Carinatæ
, including all existing flying birds; Ratitæ
, including the ostrich and allies, the apteryx, and the extinct moas; Odontornithes
, or fossil birds with teeth. The ordinary birds are classified largely by the structure of the beak and feet, which are in direct relation to their habits. See
Beak
, Bird
, Odontonithes
.