Neuquenornis

Neuquenornis belonged to a group of ancient birds called enantiornithes, which had teeth and claws on their wings.1

Its name means 'flying bird from Neuquén Province' because its fossils were found in that part of Argentina.1

This bird lived about 85 to 83 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period.1

Scientists think Neuquenornis was an active flyer, based on the shape of its wing and shoulder bones.2

A nesting colony has been linked to Neuquenornis, suggesting it buried its eggs like modern megapode birds.1

The only known fossil of Neuquenornis is a nearly complete skeleton, including a skull, found in the Río Colorado Formation.2