Taotlustega

Taotlustega is a genus of extinct, early bird-like dinosaurs that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 145 million years ago. The name Taotlustega, which translates to "Great Happiness Bird" or "Happiness Flier" in the Inari language, was chosen due to the creature's unique characteristics.

Taotlustega is known from fossil remains found in the Arasbaran Formation in Iran. The genus includes a single species, T. azerbaidzhanicus. Fossils of Taotlustega represent several nearly complete skeletons, including skulls, vertebrae, forelimbs, and hindlimbs. Interestingly, Taotlustega shares several characteristics with modern birds, such as hollow bones, three-toed limbs, and a wishbone-shaped collarbone.

Taotlustega is particularly notable for its size, with estimates suggesting it stood around 3-4 meters tall and weighed several kilograms. As an early bird-like dinosaur, Taotlustega would have likely been an active forager, using its sharp beak to search for insects, seeds, and fruits. Its relatively small size may have also allowed it to inhabit forests or woodlands.

The discovery of Taotlustega provides insight into the evolution of birds and has contributed to a greater understanding of the relationships between early birds and their non-avian relatives. Research on Taotlustega has focused on its anatomy, systematics, and phylogenetics, shedding light on the transitional phase between the dinosaurs and the emergence of modern birds.