cinereiceps

Cinereiceps is a genus of extinct birds that lived during the Oligocene epoch. These birds are known from fossil remains found in North America. The genus name, Cinereiceps, is derived from Latin words meaning "ash-colored head," referring to the coloration observed in some fossil specimens.

The most well-known species within this genus is Cinereiceps eximius. Fossil discoveries suggest that these birds were relatively small to medium-sized, likely possessing adaptations for both terrestrial and arboreal lifestyles. Their diet is presumed to have included seeds, insects, and possibly small vertebrates, based on the analysis of beak morphology and associated fossil evidence.

The paleoenvironment in which Cinereiceps lived was characterized by a mix of woodlands and open plains, providing a diverse range of ecological niches. The extinction of Cinereiceps, like many other Oligocene fauna, is thought to be related to significant climatic and environmental shifts that occurred towards the end of the epoch. Further research and discovery of new fossil material may provide more detailed insights into the evolution, behavior, and ecological role of this extinct avian lineage.