An artist's restoration of Iberomesornis
Iberomesornis ('Iberian intermediate bird') is a genus of Enantiornithine from early Cretaceous Spain. It was one of the most primitive Enantiornithines, and represents an intermediate stage between the earliest birds and their modern counterparts, hence its generic name. The genus consists of a single type species, I. romerali.
Discovery[]
Holotype specimen of Iberomesornis
The holotype specimen of Iberomesornis was found in 1985 by Armando Díaz Romeral at Las Hoyas, Ceunce province in east central Spain. It consists of an articulated skeleton, which dates back to around 125 million years ago.
Description[]
An artist's interpretation of intraspecific combat between Iberomesornis.
Iberomesornis was about as big as a large sparrow, weighing around 15-20 grams, and possessing a wingspan of less than 20 centimeters. As an Enantiornithine, it possessed a pygostyle and a toothed beak, as well as a claw on each wing. It was likely able to fly and had a strong perching ability, which was assisted by its long toes, sharp curved claws, and long hallux.
Biology and ecology[]
It is inferred that Iberomesornis ate insects and other small animals, living in forests near lakes.
Phylogeny[]
Iberomesornis was placed within the Iberomesornithidae in 1992, and was considered to be outside of the Ornithoraces. Today, however, it is considered to be a part of that clade.
Gallery[]
