\Pter`o*cle"tes\, n. pl. [NL., fr Pterocles, the
typical genus, fr. Gr. ? feather + ?, ?, a key, tongue of a
clasp.] (Zo["o]l.)
A division of birds including the sand grouse. They are in
some respects intermediate between the pigeons and true
grouse. Called also {Pteroclomorph[ae]}.