"Differed widely from _Didus_ and _Pezophaps_ in its long beak, which
resembles a little that of a woodcock, but is much stronger. These birds
were high on the leg, ran swiftly, and were far removed from pigeons like
the Dodo and the Solitaire, but to which they had a certain resemblance,
owing to their rudimentary wings, apology for a tail, and the disposition
of their digits."
The above is a translation of de Selys-Longchamps' diagnosis of the genus,
but owing to his inclusion therein of _Didus solitarius_ and _Aphanapteryx
bonasia_, it does not fit when restricted to the "Oyseau bleu" of Le Sieur
D.B. It might be described as: Resembling _Aptornis_, but with shorter bill
and feet, thus more approaching _Notornis_.
One species.