Pterygornis

Pterygornis belonged to a group called Enantiornithes, which were the most common birds during the Age of Dinosaurs.2

Its fossils were found in the Jiufotang Formation in China, a famous site that has preserved many early birds.32

Unlike older birds, Pterygornis had a special skull that could move its upper jaw up and down, helping it grab food more easily.2

The name Pterygornis means 'wing bird' in Latin and Greek.1

Pterygornis lived about 121 to 113 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous period.3

Its skeleton was found disarticulated, meaning the bones were scattered, but some skull bones were perfectly preserved.2