Genus Aepyornis is a scientific term used to refer to a group of extinct avian species commonly known as elephant birds. There are several synonymous terms that are used interchangeably with this term when discussing these species. One such term is Aepyornithidae, which is the family name for the elephant birds. Another synonym is Mullerornis, which is the name used for the largest species of elephant bird known to date. Additionally, the terms Aepyornis maximus and Vorombe titan are also sometimes used to indicate the largest species of elephant bird. All these synonyms are used to refer to the same group of extinct avian species related to ostriches and emus.