Zhyraornis Explained

Zhyraornis is a genus of prehistoric bird from the late Cretaceous period (middle Turonian, 92 mya).^[1] Its fossils have been found in Bissekty Formation deposits near Dzharakuduk in the Kyzyl Kum, Uzbekistan. Two species have been assigned to this genus: Zhyraornis kashkarovi and Zhyraornis logunovi. Both are known only from partial pelvic bones (synsacra).

Classification

The relationships of this bird are unresolved. Paleontologist Lev Nesov originally classified in a distinct family (Zhyraornithidae)^[2] and later suborder (Zhyraornithi)^[3] within the order Ichthyornithiformes.^[2] Kurochkin (1996) considered it to belong to the Enantiornithes, specifically the family Alexornithidae.^[4] In 2006, Kurochkin re-classified it as a primitive member of the lineage leading to modern birds, the Ornithuromorpha.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Averianov, A.O. (2010). "The osteology of Azhdarcho lancicollis Nessov, 1984 (Pterosauria, Azhdarchidae) from the Late Cretaceous of Uzbekistan." Proceedings of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 314(3): 246-317.
2. Nessov, L. (1984). ["Upper Cretaceous pterosaurs and birds from Central Asia."] Paleontologicheskii Zhurnal, 1: 47-57.
3. Nessov, L. (1992). "Review of localities and remains of Mesozoic and Paleogene birds of the USSR and the description of new findings." Russkii Ornitologicheskii Zhurnal, 1(1): 7-50.
4. Kurochkin (1996). "A new enantiornithid of the Mongolian Late Cretaceous, and a general appraisal of the Infraclass Enantiornithes (Aves)." Russian Academy of Sciences, special issue. 50 pp.
5. Kurochkin (2006). "Parallel evolution of theropod dinosaurs and birds." Entomological Review, 86(suppl. 1): S45-S58.