Changmaornis

Changmaornis is known from just a partial skeleton including foot bones, vertebrae, and part of the hip.1

Its third toe was the longest, which is different from its relative Gansus, where the fourth toe was longest.1

Changmaornis had blunt claws on its feet without strong flexor tubercles, suggesting it did not climb trees much.1

It lived alongside other early birds like Gansus, Yumenornis, and Jiuquanornis in the same ancient lake area.1

Scientists think Changmaornis may have been aquatic, like a modern loon or grebe, because its foot bones look similar.1

The name Changmaornis comes from Changma Town in China, where the fossil was dug up.1