prehistoric birds
Dinosaur-era flyers
Prehistoric birds are bird species that existed before recorded human history, known only through fossil evidence.
The term encompasses both extinct lineages like the toothed *Hesperornis* and early ancestors of modern birds.
In casual use, prehistoric birds often evokes large, dinosaur-like creatures: The museum's prehistoric bird exhibit featured a terror bird skeleton.
- feathered dinosaursPlumed extinct reptiles
- beakHorny avian mouthpart
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
- ArchaeopteryxPrehistoric transitional flying creature
- fossilPreserved ancient organism
bird bones · paleontology · transitional fossils · wing · Paleogene · fossil record · moa · elephant bird · dodo bird · mass extinction · Ice Age · feathers · Jurassic · pterodactyl · avian · dinosaurs · nests · talons