Patobulintiformes

Patobulintiformes is a proposed, but not widely accepted, order of extinct birds. The name itself, Patobulintiformes, is derived from the Greek word "patos" meaning foot, and the Latin word "bullire" meaning to boil, likely referring to some perceived characteristic of the hypothetical group.

The concept of Patobulintiformes was introduced by paleontologist Dr. Juan M. Casamiquela in the late 20th century. Casamiquela proposed this order to encompass a group of fossil birds from the Late Cretaceous period of South America, specifically from Patagonia. He suggested these birds possessed a unique combination of features that set them apart from other known avian lineages of that era.

Key characteristics attributed to Patobulintiformes by Casamiquela included aspects of their skeletal anatomy, particularly in the pelvis and feet. However, the diagnostic features were often based on incomplete fossil material, making definitive classification challenging. The proposed members of this order were thought to be terrestrial or semi-aquatic, with varied feeding strategies.

The scientific community has largely not adopted Patobulintiformes as a valid taxonomic order. Many paleontologists consider the evidence insufficient to establish a distinct order, and the proposed taxa are often placed within other, more established avian groups, such as the extinct seabirds (Pelagornithidae) or other Cretaceous bird lineages, depending on the specific fossil. Further discoveries and analyses are needed to clarify the evolutionary relationships of the birds that were initially considered to be part of Patobulintiformes.