Bootaris

Bootaris is a genus of extinct birds that lived during the Eocene epoch. Fossils of Bootaris have been found in the Green River Formation in Wyoming, USA, a site renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil assemblages. The genus was first described in 1930 by Alexander Wetmore, who named the type species *Bootaris latirostris*.

The fossil evidence suggests that Bootaris was a relatively small bird, likely adapted for an arboreal or semi-arboreal lifestyle. Its beak morphology, characterized by a broad and somewhat flattened shape, indicates a diet possibly consisting of insects, fruits, or seeds. The skeletal remains, while incomplete, hint at a build that would have been suitable for perching and maneuvering through vegetation.

Bootaris is considered to be part of the order Gruiformes, which includes a diverse group of birds such as cranes, rails, and limpkins. However, its precise phylogenetic placement within Gruiformes has been a subject of ongoing research and discussion among paleontologists. The limited fossil material available makes definitive classification challenging, and further discoveries could refine our understanding of its evolutionary relationships.

The significance of Bootaris lies in its contribution to the understanding of avian diversity during the Eocene, a period of significant ecological change and diversification for many bird groups. The Green River Formation provides a unique snapshot of ancient ecosystems, and fossils like those of Bootaris help to reconstruct the composition of these lost environments. The study of Bootaris offers insights into the evolutionary history and adaptive radiation of birds in the early Cenozoic era.