Keskushiileen

Keskushiileen is a genus of extinct birds belonging to the family Keskushileidae. These birds are known from fossils discovered in the Eocene epoch, primarily in what is now North America. The genus name is derived from the Greek word "keskos" meaning "shuttlecock" and "chiyle" meaning "wing," referring to their presumed flight capabilities and wing shape.

Fossil evidence indicates that keskushiileen were relatively small, ground-dwelling birds. Their skeletal structure suggests adaptations for running rather than strong flight, with some species exhibiting elongated legs. The beak morphology varies among species, hinting at a diverse diet that may have included insects, seeds, and small invertebrates.

The Keskushileidae family, to which keskushiileen belongs, is considered an early offshoot within the avian evolutionary tree. While their exact phylogenetic placement is still debated among paleontologists, they are generally thought to be related to groups of birds that eventually gave rise to modern shorebirds and perhaps even some passeriformes. The limited number of well-preserved specimens makes detailed behavioral reconstructions challenging, but the available fossils provide valuable insights into the avian fauna of the Eocene. Further discoveries are anticipated to shed more light on the evolutionary history and ecological role of keskushiileen.