Enantiornithines

[i‚nan·tē′ȯrn·ə‚thēnz]

(vertebrate zoology)

Opposite birds, so called because their foot bones fuse in the opposite direction of modern birds, from the subclass Sauriuvae.

References in periodicals archive ?

Species recorded (Iberomesornis romerali, Eoalulavis hoyasi and Concornis lacustris) have interpreted as being perching enantiornithines of reduced size with enhanced flight capabilities, allowing low speed flight and good manoeuverability (Sanz et al, 2000, 2002; Ortega et al, 1999).

A holistic approach to the palaeoecology of Las Hoyas Konservat-Lagerstatte (La Huerguina Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Iberian Ranges, Spain)/ Una aproximacion holistica a la palaeoecologia del Konservat-Lagerstatte de Las Hoyas (Formacion La Huerguina, Cretacico Inferior, Cordillera Iberica, Espana)

Scientists in north-east China dug up the remains of an unknown creature, which lived more than 124 million years ago and was part of the primitive bird group called enantiornithines.

Ancient birds 'had four wings'

The so-far unnamed creature, which lived between 124 million and 145 million years ago, belonged to an extinct group of primitive flying birds called the enantiornithines.