Skull convex, the temporal fossae very large. Breadth at the squamosals
1.6-1.7 times the height at the basi-temporal. Length from the
supra-occipital to the nasals rather less than the breadth at the
squamosals. Occipital condyle hidden by the supra-occipital. Ridge between
temporal fossae and supra-occipital narrow. Beak short, slightly compressed
and rounded at the tip, though more pointed than in _Anomalopteryx_. Lower
mandible nearly straight and rather slighter than in _Anomalopteryx_,
V-shaped. Sternum with coracoid pits faintly indicated or absent; length
less than breadth. Costal processes well developed, lateral processes
diverging at different angles.
Pelvis broader in proportion than in _Dinornis_, the acetabula set more
forward. Tarso-metatarsus shorter than the femur, and less than half the
length of the tibio-tarsus. Hallux present in some species. The smallest
species of Moa is _Cela curtus_.
Type of the genus: _Cela curtus_.
Number of species: 5.