Tarkvides

Tarkvides are a group of extinct birds that lived during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. They are known from a single species, Tarkus weigeli, which was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota, USA. Tarkvides are notable for their unique combination of features, including a long, slender beak, a large, rounded body, and a long tail. Their wings were relatively short and broad, suggesting they were not strong fliers. Tarkvides are believed to have been omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant and animal material. They are thought to have been ground-dwelling birds, similar to modern ratites. The discovery of Tarkvides provides valuable insights into the diversity of bird evolution during the Cretaceous period and the early stages of bird radiation.