Zhyraornis
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Zhyraornis |
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Extinct (fossil)
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Zhyraornis kashkarovi |
Zhyraornis is a genus of prehistoric bird from the Late Cretaceous (Santonian to early Campanian, 85-79 mya). Its fossils have been found in Bissekty Formation deposits near Dzharakuduk in the Kyzyl Kum, Uzbekistan; the only species is Zhyraornis kashkarovi.
The relationship of this bird is unresolved. It is occasionally placed in the Enantiornithes as a distinct family Zhyraornithidae, but while it seems distinct enough to warrant the latter, the former is not well supported and it might actually be close to the ancestors of modern birds.