Archaeornithura

Archaeornithura is the oldest known ornithuromorph, the group that includes all living birds.21

It lived 130.7 million years ago, which is about 5 to 6 million years older than any other known ornithuromorph.1

This bird had a well-developed alula, a small feathered finger on the front edge of its wing that helps with maneuverability in flight.2

Archaeornithura had fan-shaped tail feathers and a U-shaped furcula (wishbone), features seen in modern birds.2

Only two fossils of Archaeornithura have been found, both from the Huajiying Formation in China.21

Its discovery pushed back the first appearance of ornithuromorph birds by about 6 million years.1