tarbimis

Tarbimis is a genus of extinct birds that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. These birds are known from fossil remains found in the Maastrichian deposits of the Djadochta Formation in Mongolia. The genus was first described in 2007 by scientists Julia A. Clarke and R. E. Molnar. The type species, Tarbimis malayemensis, is the only described species within the genus.

Tarbimis possessed several interesting anatomical features. It had a distinctive beak that was likely adapted for a specialized diet. The limb structure suggests it was capable of terrestrial locomotion, though its exact mode of movement is still a subject of research. Its size indicates it was a medium-sized bird for its time. The fossils suggest that Tarbimis inhabited arid or semi-arid environments.

The discovery of Tarbimis has contributed to our understanding of avian evolution during the Mesozoic Era. Its existence alongside other avian and non-avian dinosaur species in the same fossil beds provides insights into the complex ecosystems of the Late Cretaceous. The precise phylogenetic placement of Tarbimis within the avian family tree is still being investigated, but it is generally considered to be a member of the Ornithurae, a group that includes modern birds. Further fossil discoveries may help to clarify its evolutionary relationships and ecological role.