oblongatassa

Oblongatassa is a genus of small, flightless birds belonging to the family Apterygidae, commonly known as kiwis. The name "oblongatassa" is derived from the Latin *oblongus*, meaning "oblong," and *atassa*, a term used in some taxonomic classifications to denote a specific type of bird form. However, this genus is not widely recognized in modern ornithological literature, as the classification of kiwis has undergone significant revisions over time.

The genus was proposed in the early 20th century to categorize certain extinct or poorly understood kiwi species. Most modern classifications group all kiwis under the genus *Apteryx*, which includes five extant species: the little spotted kiwi (*A. rowi*), great spotted kiwi (*A. mantelli*), brown kiwi (*A. australis*), rowi kiwi (*A. rowi*), and little spotted kiwi (*A. owenii*). The concept of *oblongatassa* as a distinct genus is largely obsolete, as genetic and morphological studies have shown that kiwis form a cohesive evolutionary lineage within *Apteryx*.

Kiwis are native to New Zealand and are characterized by their long, slender bills, small wings, and nocturnal habits. They are among the most primitive living birds, retaining many features of early avian ancestors. The term *oblongatassa* occasionally appears in historical taxonomic literature but is not used in contemporary classifications. Researchers and conservationists primarily focus on the species within *Apteryx*, emphasizing their ecological importance and the threats they face, such as habitat loss and predation by invasive species.

For accurate and up-to-date information on kiwi taxonomy, the genus *Apteryx* remains the standard reference in scientific literature.