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The Neognath Web Page gets its name from avian classification. Neognaths are birds that form the Superorder Neognathae ("new jaw"), within the Subclass Neornithes ("new bird"), within the Class Aves. The Superorder Neognathae includes all of the birds we see around us today. The Neognaths have fused metacarpals, an elongate digit III, and 13 or fewer vertebrae (all the Neornithes), are all toothless, and form about 9000 species and 29 orders.

Through time, the neognaths have undergone adaptive radiation to produce the staggering diversity of form (especially of the bill and feet), function, and behavior that we see today. The neognaths--today's birds--are the source of curiosity, fascination, and obsession of researchers, students, and birdwatchers throughout the world. The neognaths are the subject of these web pages. Click on the logo to jump to the Table of Contents!