Linyiornis

The fossil of Linyiornis is preserved in three dimensions, not squashed flat like many other ancient birds. This let scientists see details that are usually hidden.1

Traces of ovarian follicles were found in the fossil, showing that this individual was a female. These are the structures that would have become eggs.1

Linyiornis had a very strong bump on its upper arm bone for muscle attachment. This suggests it had powerful wing muscles.1

Unlike some later birds, Linyiornis did not have a special pit on its thigh bone for a ligament. This is one clue that helps scientists tell different ancient birds apart.1

Linyiornis lived around 121 to 113 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous period. That was the time of many dinosaurs.2

The name Linyiornis means 'Linyi bird', named after Linyi University in China, where one of the scientists worked.1