Suihkettidae

Suihkettidae is a hypothetical family of extinct birds, first proposed based on fragmentary fossil evidence. The name derives from the Finnish word "suihke," meaning spray or splash, referencing the presumed aquatic or semi-aquatic lifestyle suggested by the limited skeletal remains. Currently, the family is considered dubious by many paleontologists due to the scarcity and poor preservation of the type material.

The primary fossils attributed to Suihkettidae were discovered in early Cenozoic deposits in what is now Europe. These fossils consist mainly of isolated bones, including parts of the wing and tarsometatarsus. Initial interpretations suggested a bird adapted for diving or agile swimming, potentially with a long, slender beak. However, the lack of more complete skeletons makes definitive classification and understanding of their paleoecology challenging.

The phylogenetic position of Suihkettidae within Aves remains uncertain. Some researchers have tentatively placed them among early diving birds or even in relation to modern waterfowl, while others argue that the evidence is insufficient to establish any clear relationships. Future discoveries of more complete Suihkettidae specimens would be crucial for resolving their taxonomic status and evolutionary significance. Until then, Suihkettidae represents an intriguing but poorly understood chapter in avian evolution.