Magnusavis Temporal range: Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian), | |
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Holotype specimen | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Clade: | Dinosauria |
Clade: | Saurischia |
Clade: | Theropoda |
Clade: | Avialae |
Clade: | † Enantiornithes |
Genus: | † Magnusavis |
Species: | †M. ekalakaensis |
Binomial name | |
†Magnusavis ekalakaensis Clark et al., 2024 | |
Synonyms | |
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Magnusavis (meaning "big bird") is an extinct genus of large enantiornithine birds from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian-aged) Hell Creek Formation of Montana, United States. The genus contains a single species, M. ekalakaensis, known from an incomplete right tarsometatarsus and toe bone. [1]
The Magnusavis holotype specimen, CCM V2019.5.1, was discovered in sediments of the Hell Creek Formation on BLM land in Carter County, Montana, United States. The specimen consists of part of the right tarsometatarsus missing metatarsal IV and the top of II and III, in addition to an isolated phalanx from an unknown toe. [1]
In 2024, Clark et al. described Magnusavis ekalakaensis as a new genus and species of enantiornithine birds based on these fossil remains. The generic name, Magnusavis, combines the Latin words magnus ("big") and avis ("bird"). The specific name, ekalakaensis, references the Montana town of Ekalaka (a Lakota word meaning "one who wanders"), which is near the type locality and where the holotype is accessioned. [1]
In their phylogenetic analyses, Clark et al. recovered Magnusavis as a member of the avian clade Enantiornithes, a group of diverse birds that went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous. Their results did not place this taxon within any enantiornithine family, but rather as a member of a group leading to the raptorial avisaurids. Their results are displayed in the cladogram below: [1]
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The Enantiornithes, also known as enantiornithines or enantiornitheans in literature, are a group of extinct avialans, the most abundant and diverse group known from the Mesozoic era. Almost all retained teeth and clawed fingers on each wing, but otherwise looked much like modern birds externally. Over eighty species of Enantiornithes have been named, but some names represent only single bones, so it is likely that not all are valid. The Enantiornithes became extinct at the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary, along with Hesperornithes and all other non-avian dinosaurs.
Avisaurus is a genus of enantiornithine avialan from the Late Cretaceous of North America.
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Fortipesavis is a genus of enantiornithine bird from the Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian) of Myanmar. The genus contains a single species, Fortipesavis prehendens, known from the holotype (YLSNHM01001), a mold of digits II–IV and a partial left tarsometatarsus preserved in amber.
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Ypresiglaux is an extinct genus of strigiform bird from the Early Eocene London Clay Formation of Essex, United Kingdom and Nanjemoy Formation of Virginia, United States. The genus contains two species: Y. michaeldanielsi, known from a partial skeleton, and Y. gulottai, known from a distal tarsometatarsus.
Imparavis is an extinct genus of enantiornithine birds from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian-aged) Jiufotang Formation of Liaoning Province, China. The genus contains a single species, I. attenboroughi, known from a well-preserved skeleton.