Fossil - Fossil matrix - Enantiornithes - 24 cm - 20.5 cm (No reserve price)

Enantiornithes | A Rare Early Cretaceous Avian Fossil

Enantiornithes are an extinct clade of primitive birds that lived during the Cretaceous period, approximately 130 million to 66 million years ago. Their name means “opposite birds,” derived from the reversed articulation of the shoulder girdle compared with that of modern birds, representing a unique and highly successful branch in avian evolutionary history.

Enantiornithes were widely distributed across all major continents of the time and were among the most diverse groups of birds in terrestrial and lacustrine ecosystems of the Cretaceous. Their forms ranged from small perching types to fully volant species, and some specimens even preserve feather impressions. These fossils provide crucial evidence for the study of the origin of flight, the evolution of feathers, and the ecological behavior of early birds.

Because Enantiornithes became extinct alongside the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous, their fossils can only be found in specific stratigraphic layers and regions. Well-preserved and scientifically identifiable specimens are extremely rare, making them highly prized by museums, academic institutions, and elite private collectors.

This specimen measures approximately 15 cm from head to claw tip. The skeleton is articulated, with soft tissue preserved in the abdominal cavity, and both teeth and claw tips are present, indicating a high degree of completeness.

No reserve price is set for this fossil. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.