brachypteræ

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. In Cuvier's system of classification, a division of Palmipedes, embracing diving-birds, as grebes, loons, auks, and penguins.
2. In Sundevall's system of classification, the fourth phalanx of the cohort Cichlomorphæ, embracing three families of the short-winged, long-tailed wren-war-blers of the Australian, Indian, and Ethiopian regions.