Hyperelongate ornamental tail feathers in a new early Cretaceous enantiornithine bird
3 institutional releases
Published in PLOS One · View the paper (DOI)
The study reveals a new species of bird, Plumadraco bankoorum, with exceptionally long tail feathers, estimated to be twice its body length. The findings suggest that males used these feathers in courtship displays, such as up-and-down bobbing or raised postures to show off their plumage.
Coverage from 3 institutions
- Ancient bird species found in China's Liaoning: Extra-long tail feathers for elaborate courtship – interview with university of Chicago PhD candidate Alexander D. Clark PLOS · May 27, 2026 · first to report
- “Feathered dragon” had some of the longest tail feathers ever found on a fossil bird Field Museum · May 27, 2026
- Ancient bird displayed its long tail feathers to attract mates PLOS · May 27, 2026