geranomorphæ

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. In Huxley's system (1867), a superfamily of schizogna-thous birds, having a comparatively strong rostrum, usually no basipterygoid processes, concavo-convex lamellar maxillopalatines, a truncated angle of the mandible, the sternum comparatively narrow and notched or entire, the crus bare above the suffrago, no pulviplumes, and two cæca. The cranes and rails, now usually called Alectorides or Paludicolœ, are the leading representatives of the group. Also named Gruoideœ.