Vetoavias

Vetoavias is a term used in speculative paleontology and science fiction to describe a putative clade of birds that allegedly existed during the Late Cretaceous. It is not recognized as a valid taxon by contemporary systematic biology, and no formal description or holotype has been proposed in peer-reviewed literature.

Etymology: The name derives from Latin veto, meaning “to forbid” or “to veto,” combined with avias, a constructed plural form of aves meaning birds. The label is often explained in-fiction as representing a “forbidden” lineage or a lineage that was suppressed in the actual fossil record.

Taxonomy and evolution: In fictional treatments, Vetoavias is placed variously within Avialae, or as a stem group relative to Neornithes. Because it is not formally diagnosed, authors use it to explore alternate evolutionary scenarios, such as early flight adaptations, unusual skeletal features, or ecological niches that differed from contemporaneous birds. There is no scientific consensus on any real-world placement or characteristics.

Morphology and ecology: Descriptions are diverse across works; Vetoavias are depicted as medium-sized or variable in size, with beaks of varying shapes, and plumage ranging from cryptic to ornate. Flight capacity is often debated, with some depictions showing powered flight and others suggesting gliding, hovering, or more terrestrial lifestyles.

Fossil record and distribution: There are no verified specimens explicitly attributed to Vetoavias. In-fiction timelines sometimes place them in Gondwanan or Laurasian contexts, with habitats spanning forests, wetlands, and coastal environments, but these are speculative or fictional constructs rather than confirmed data.

See also: Avialae, Aves, Speculative evolution, Paleontology.