Eautus

Eautus is a genus of extinct birds that lived during the Paleocene epoch, approximately 66 to 56 million years ago. Fossils of Eautus have been discovered in the United States, primarily in the Fort Union Formation of Wyoming. The genus currently contains a single described species, Eautus gallinaceus.

Eautus gallinaceus was a small bird, estimated to be similar in size to a modern-day quail or grouse. Its skeletal remains indicate that it was likely a terrestrial or semi-arboreal bird, capable of both walking on the ground and perching in trees. The structure of its feet suggests it may have been adept at foraging for food on the forest floor, while its wing bones hint at limited flight capabilities.

The diet of Eautus is not definitively known, but based on the digestive systems of similar prehistoric birds and their ecological niches, it is presumed to have been omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. The discovery of Eautus fossils in the same geological layers as other early avian species provides valuable insights into the diversification of birds following the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. Studying Eautus helps paleontologists understand the evolutionary pathways and adaptations of birds during this critical period in Earth's history. Its classification places it within the group of early land birds, contributing to our knowledge of avian evolution.