tektornis

Tektornis is a genus of extinct birds that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Tektornis crassipes, which was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota, USA. Tektornis is notable for its unique combination of features, including a long, slender beak, a long tail, and a large, robust body. The bird's legs were relatively short, and its feet were adapted for walking rather than running. Tektornis is believed to have been a ground-dwelling bird, and its diet is thought to have consisted of small animals and insects. The genus is named for its distinctive, teardrop-shaped feathers, which are preserved in the fossil record. Tektornis is an important example of the diversity of bird life during the Late Cretaceous period, and its unique features have contributed to our understanding of the evolution of birds.