List of Mesozoic birds

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This list of Mesozoic birds is a comprehensive list of all Mesozoic dinosaurs that have been assigned to the clade Avialae (birds, in the broadest sense). The list includes all commonly accepted genera, but also genera that are now considered invalid, doubtful (nomen dubium), or were not formally published (nomen nudum), as well as junior synonyms of more established names, and genera that are no longer considered avialan. The list currently includes 297 genera.

Scope and terminology

There is no official, canonical list of Mesozoic bird genera, but some of the more complete ones include Holtz's list of Mesozoic dinosaurs,[1] Molina-Perez & Larramendi's list of theropods,[2] and Mickey Mortimer's Theropod Database.[3] Lists of ex-birds are generally rare, but one example is the "Ex-Saurischian Taxa and Basal Saurischians" section of the Theropod Database.[4]

Authors and year

The authors column lists the authors of the formal description responsible for the erection of the genus listed. They are not necessarily the same as the authors of the type species, as sometimes a species from one genus is determined sufficiently distinct to warrant the erection of a new genus to house it. If this is the case, only the latter authors will be listed. The year column notes the year the genus' description was published.

Status

Naming conventions and terminology follow the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). Technical terms used include:

  • Junior synonym: A name which describes the same taxon as a previously published name. If two or more genera are formally designated and the type specimens are later assigned to the same genus, the first to be published (in chronological order) is the senior synonym, and all other instances are junior synonyms. Senior synonyms are generally used, except by special decision of the ICZN, but junior synonyms cannot be used again, even if deprecated. Junior synonymy is often subjective, unless the genera described were both based on the same type specimen.
  • Nomen nudum (Latin for "naked name"): A name that has appeared in print but has not yet been formally published by the standards of the ICZN. Nomina nuda (the plural form) are invalid, and are therefore not italicized as a proper generic name would be. If the name is later formally published, that name is no longer a nomen nudum and will be italicized on this list. Often, the formally published name will differ from any nomina nuda that describe the same specimen.
  • Preoccupied name: A name that is formally published, but which has already been used for another taxon. This second use is invalid (as are all subsequent uses) and the name must be replaced.
  • Nomen dubium (Latin for "dubious name"): A name describing a fossil with no unique diagnostic features. As this can be an extremely subjective and controversial designation, this term is not used on this list.

Age

The age column denotes the epoch of geologic time to which the fossils date. Genera that are invalid, misidentified, or otherwise do not represent a valid Mesozoic bird are listed as age N/A because there was never a time in which a Mesozoic bird by that generic name actually lived.

Location and notes

The location column designates the geographic region where remains of the relevant genus have been found. The regions used are countries, despite the fact that there were no political boundaries in Mesozoic times; they are only used for convenience. Genera that are invalid, misidentified, or otherwise do not represent a valid Mesozoic bird are listed as location N/A because there was never a place in which a Mesozoic bird by that generic name actually lived. The notes column is a collection of annotations on the scientific significance and taxonomic history of listed genera, as well as elaborations on the information presented in other columns.

List

More information Genus, Authors ...
Genus Authors Year Status Age Location Notes Images
Abavornis[5] Panteleyev 1998 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
Aberratiodontus[6] Gong et al. 2004 Junior synonym Early Cretaceous China Junior synonym of Yanornis.
Abitusavis[7] Wang et al. 2020 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Alamitornis[8] Agonlin & Martinelli 2009 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Alcmonavis[9] Rauhut et al. 2019 Valid Late Jurassic Germany
Alethoalaornis Li et al. 2007 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Alexornis[10] Brodkorb 1976 Valid Late Cretaceous Mexico
Ambiortus Kurochkin 1982 Valid Early Cretaceous Mongolia
Ambopteryx[11] Wang et al. 2019 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Anatalavis Olson & Parris 1987 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
England		 The type species is known from the Late Cretaceous–Paleocene border, while a referred species is from the Eocene.
Anchiornis[12] Xu et al. 2009 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Angelinornis Kashin 1972 Junior synonym Late Cretaceous United States Junior synonym of Ichthyornis.
Antarcticavis[13] Cordes-Person et al. 2020 Valid Late Cretaceous Antarctica
Apatornis Marsh 1873 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Apsaravis[14] Norell & Clarke 2001 Valid Late Cretaceous Mongolia
Archaeopteryx[15] Meyer 1861 Valid Late Jurassic Germany Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Archaeorhynchus[16] Zhou & Zhang 2006 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Archaeornis Petronievics 1917 Junior synonym Late Jurassic Germany Junior synonym of Archaeopteryx.
Archaeornithura[17] Wang et al. 2015 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Archaeovolans Czerkas & Xu 2002 Junior synonym Early Cretaceous China Junior synonym of Yanornis.
Asiahesperornis Nesov & Prizemlin 1991 Valid Late Cretaceous Kazakhstan
Asteriornis[18] Field et al. 2020 Valid Late Cretaceous Belgium
Aurornis[19] Godefroit et al. 2013 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Austinornis[20] Clarke 2004 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Avimaia[21] Bailleul et al. 2019 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Avisaurus[22] Brett-Surman & Paul 1985 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Balaur[23] Csiki et al. 2010 Valid Late Cretaceous Romania Originally (and sometimes still) thought to be a non-avialan theropod.
Baminornis[24] Chen et al. 2025 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Baptornis Marsh 1877 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Bauxitornis[25] Dyke & Ősi 2010 Valid Late Cretaceous Hungary
Beiguornis[26] Wang et al. 2022 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Bellulia Wang et al. 2016a Preoccupied N/A N/A Name preoccupied by the moth Bellulia Fibiger 2008 and replaced by Bellulornis.
Bellulornis Wang et al. 2016b Valid Early Cretaceous China
Bohaiornis[27] Hu et al. 2011 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Boluochia[28] Zhou 1995 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Bradycneme[29] Harrison & Walker 1975 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; more likely a non-avialan theropod.
Brevidentavis[30] O'Connor et al. 2021 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Brevirostruavis[31] Li et al. 2021 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Brodavis[32] Martin et al. 2012 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Mongolia
Caihong[33] Hu et al. 2018 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered to be a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Camptodontornis[34] Demirjian 2019 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Camptodontus[35] Li et al. 2010 Preoccupied N/A N/A Name preoccupied by the beetle Camptodontus Dejean, 1826 and replaced by Camptodontornis.
Canadaga[36] Hou 1999 Valid Late Cretaceous Canada
Castignovolucris[37] Buffetaut et al. 2023 Valid Late Cretaceous France
Catenoleimus[5] Panteleyev 1998 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
Cathayornis Zhou et al. 1992 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Ceramornis[38] Brodkorb 1963 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Cerebavis[39] Kurochkin et al. 2006 Valid Late Cretaceous Russia
Changchengornis[40] Ji et al. 1999 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Changmaornis[41] Wang et al. 2013 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Changzuiornis[42] Huang et al. 2016 Disputed Early Cretaceous China Possibly synonymous with Juehuaornis.
Chaoyangia Hou & Zhang 1993 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Chiappeavis[43] O'Connor et al. 2016 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Chongmingia[44] Wang et al. 2016 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Chromeornis[45] O'Connor et al. 2025 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Chupkaornis[46] Tanaka et al. 2017 Valid Late Cretaceous Japan
Cimoliornis Owen 1846 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; actually a pterosaur.
Cimolopteryx Marsh 1892 Valid Late Cretaceous United States May be Paleocene.
Colonosaurus[47] Marsh 1872 Junior synonym Late Cretaceous United States Junior synonym of Ichthyornis.
Concornis[48] Sanz & Buscalioni 1992 Valid Early Cretaceous Spain
Confuciusornis[49] Hou et al. 1995 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Coniornis Marsh 1893 Junior synonym Late Cretaceous United States Junior synonym of Hesperornis.
Cosesaurus[50] Ellenberger & de Villalta 1974 Misidentification N/A N/A Sometimes proposed to be a bird ancestor; actually a tanystropheid.
Cratoavis[51] Carvalho et al. 2015 Valid Early Cretaceous Brazil
Cratonavis[52] Li et al. 2023 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Cretaaviculus Bazhanov 1969 Valid Late Cretaceous Kazakhstan
Cretornis[53] Fritsch 1880 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; actually a pterosaur.
Cruralispennia[54] Wang et al. 2017 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Cuspirostrisornis[55] Hou 1997 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Dalianraptor Gao & Liu 2005 Disputed N/A N/A Likely a chimaera consisting of a Jeholornis and another theropod.
Dalingheornis[56] Zhang et al. 2006 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Dapingfangornis[57] Li et al. 2006 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Didactylornis[58] Yuan 2008 Junior synonym Early Cretaceous China Junior synonym of Sapeornis.
Dingavis[59] O'Connor et al. 2016 Disputed Early Cretaceous China Possibly synonymous with Changzuiornis and/or Juehuaornis.
Dunhuangia[60] Wang et al. 2015 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Elbretornis[61] Walker & Dyke 2009 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina Possibly synonymous with Lectavis, Soroavisaurus and/or Yungavolucris.
Elektorornis[62] Xing et al. 2019 Valid Early Cretaceous Myanmar
Elopteryx[63] Andrews 1913 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; more likely to be a non-avialan theropod.
Elsornis[64] Chiappe et al. 2007 Valid Late Cretaceous Mongolia
Enaliornis Seeley 1876 Valid Late Cretaceous England
Enantiophoenix[65] Cau & Arduini 2008 Valid Late Cretaceous Lebanon
Enantiornis[66] Walker 1981 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Eoalulavis[67] Sanz et al. 1996 Valid Early Cretaceous Spain
Eocathayornis[68] Zhou 2002 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Eoconfuciusornis[69] Zhang et al. 2008 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Eoenantiornis[70] Hou et al. 1999 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Eogranivora[71] Zheng et al. 2018 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Eopengornis Wang et al. 2014 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Eosinopteryx[72] Godefroit et al. 2013 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Epidendrosaurus[73] Zhang et al. 2002 Junior synonym Late Jurassic China Possible synonym of Scansoriopteryx.
Epidexipteryx[74] Zhang et al. 2008 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Eurolimnornis[75] Kessler & Jurcsák 1986 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; reinterpreted as a pterodactyloid pterosaur.
Evgenavis[76] O'Connor et al. 2014 Valid Early Cretaceous Russia
Explorornis[5] Panteleyev 1998 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
Falcatakely[77] O'Connor et al. 2020 Valid Late Cretaceous Madagascar
Feitianius[78] O'Connor et al. 2015 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Flexomornis[79] Tykoski & Fiorillo 2010 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Fortipesavis[80] Clark & O'Connor 2021 Valid Early Cretaceous Myanmar
Fortunguavis[81] Wang et al. 2014 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Fujianvenator[82] Xu et al. 2023 Valid Late Jurassic China Found within the family Anchiornithidae, which may represent non-avialan dinosaurs
Fukuipteryx[83] Imai et al. 2019 Valid Early Cretaceous Japan
Fumicollis[84] Bell & Chiappe 2015 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Gallornis Lambrecht 1931 Valid Early Cretaceous France
Gansus[85] Hou & Liu 1984 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Gargantuavis[86] Buffetaut & Le Loeuff 1998 Valid Late Cretaceous France
Spain
Romania
Gettyia[87] Atterholt et al. 2018 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Gobipipus[88] Kurochkin & Chatterjee 2013 Valid Early Cretaceous Mongolia Very similar to embryonic Gobipteryx.
Gobipteryx[89] Elżanowski 1994 Valid Late Cretaceous Mongolia
Gorgonavis[90] Nebreda et al. 2026 Valid Early Cretaceous Spain
Grabauornis[91] Dalsätt et al. 2014 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Gracilornis[92] Li & Hou 2011 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Graculavus Marsh 1872 Valid Late Cretaceous United States May be Paleocene.
Gretcheniao Chiappe et al. 2019 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Griphornis Woodward 1862 Junior synonym Late Jurassic Germany Name officially rejected in favor of Archaeopteryx.
Griphosaurus Wagner 1862 Junior synonym Late Jurassic Germany Name officially rejected in favor of Archaeopteryx.
Guildavis[20] Clarke 2004 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Gurilynia[93] Kurochkin 1999 Valid Late Cretaceous Mongolia
Halimornis[94] Chiappe 2002 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Hargeria Lucas 1903 Junior synonym Late Cretaceous United States Junior synonym of Hesperornis.
"Hebeiornis"[95] Xu et al. 1999 Nomen nudum N/A N/A Synonym of Vescornis due to being based on the same holotype. However, despite predating the description of Vescornis by five years, its description is so poor that it is regarded as a nomen nudum and a synonym.
Heptasteornis[29] Harrison & Walker 1975 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; more likely a non-avialan theropod.
Hesperornis Marsh 1872 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Canada
Russia
Holbotia[96] Zelenkov & Averianov 2015 Valid Early Cretaceous Mongolia
Hollanda[97] Bell et al. 2010 Valid Late Cretaceous Mongolia
Hongshanornis[98] Zhou & Zhang 2005 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Horezmavis Nessov & Borkin 1983 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
Houornis[99] Wang & Liu 2015 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Huoshanornis[100] Wang et al. 2010 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Iaceornis[20] Clarke 2004 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Iberomesornis[101] Sanz & Bonaparte 1992 Valid Early Cretaceous Spain
Ichthyornis Marsh 1873 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Ilerdopteryx Lacasa-Ruiz 1985 Valid Early Cretaceous Spain
Imparavis[102] Wang et al. 2024 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Incolornis[5] Panteleyev 1998 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
Intiornis[103] Novas et al. 2010 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Iteravis Zhou et al. 2014 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Janavis[104] Benito et al. 2022 Valid Late Cretaceous Belgium
Jeholornis[105] Zhou et al. 2002 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Jianchangornis[106] Zhou et al. 2009 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Jibeinia[55] Hou 1997 Valid Early Cretaceous China Only known specimen missing.
Jinfengopteryx[107] Ji et al. 2005 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; actually a non-avian dinosaur.
Jinguofortis[108] Wang et al. 2018 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Jinzhouornis Hou et al. 2002 Junior synonym Early Cretaceous China Junior synonym of Confuciusornis.
Jiuquanornis[41] Wang et al. 2013 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Jixiangornis[109] Ji et al. 2002 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Judinornis Nessov & Borkin 1983 Valid Late Cretaceous Mongolia
Juehuaornis[110] Wang et al. 2015 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Junornis[111] Liu et al. 2017 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Jurapteryx Howgate 1984 Junior synonym Late Jurassic Germany Junior synonym of Archaeopteryx.
Kaririavis[112] Carvalho et al. 2021 Valid Early Cretaceous Brazil
Khinganornis[113] Wang et al. 2020 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Kizylkumavis[114] Nessov 1984 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
Kompsornis[115] Wang et al. 2020 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Kookne Novas et al. 2019 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Kunpengornis[116] Huang et al. 2025 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Kuszholia[117] Nesov 1992 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
Lamarqueavis[118] Agnolin 2010 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
United States
Canada
Laopteryx[119] Marsh 1881 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; actually a pterosaur.
Laornis[120] Marsh 1870 Valid Late Cretaceous United States May be Paleocene.
Largirostrornis[55] Hou 1997 Disputed Early Cretaceous China Possible synonym of Cathayornis.
Lectavis[121] Chiappe 1993 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Lenesornis[122] Kurochkin 1996 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
Lestornis[123] Marsh 1876 Junior synonym Late Cretaceous United States Junior synonym of Hesperornis.
Liaoningornis[124] Hou 1996 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Liaoxiornis[125] Hou & Chen 1999 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Limenavis[126] Clarke & Chiappe 2001 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Limnornis[127] Kessler & Jurcsak 1984 Misidentification N/A N/A Name preoccupied by the ovenbird Limnornis Gould 1839 and replaced by Palaeocursornis. Originally described as a bird; actually a pterosaur.
Lingyuanornis[128] Ji & Ji 1999 Junior synonym N/A N/A Junior synonym of Liaoxiornis as it is based on the same holotype.
Linyiornis[129] Wang et al. 2016 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Lisboasaurus[130] Seiffert 1970 Misidentification N/A N/A Sometimes proposed to be a bird; actually a crocodilian.
Lonchodytes[38] Brodkorb 1963 Valid Late Cretaceous United States May be Paleocene.
Longchengornis[55] Hou 1997 Disputed Early Cretaceous China Possible synonym of Cathayornis.
Longicrusavis[131] O'Connor et al. 2010 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Longipteryx[132] Zhang et al. 2001 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Longirostravis[133] Hou et al. 2004 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Longisquama[134] Sharov 1970 Misidentification N/A N/A Sometimes proposed to be a bird ancestor; actually an indeterminate reptile.
Longusunguis[135] Wang et al. 2014 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Maaqwi[136] McLachlan et al. 2017 Valid Late Cretaceous Canada
Magnusavis[137] Clark et al. 2024 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Martinavis[138] Walker et al. 2007 Valid Late Cretaceous France
Argentina
Meemannavis[30] O'Connor et al. 2021 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Megalancosaurus[139] Calzavara et al. 1980 Misidentification N/A N/A Sometimes proposed to be a bird ancestor, but actually a drepanosaurid.
Mengciusornis[140] Wang et al. 2019 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Microenantiornis Wei & Li 2017 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Mirarce[87] Atterholt et al. 2018 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Mirusavis[141] Wang et al. 2020 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Monoenantiornis[142] Hu & O'Connor 2016 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Musivavis[143] Wang et al. 2022 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Mystiornis[144] Kurochkin et al. 2011 Valid Early Cretaceous Russia
Nanantius[145] Molnar 1986 Valid Early Cretaceous Australia
Navaornis[146] Chiappe et al. 2024 Valid Late Cretaceous Brazil
Neimengornis[147] Wang et al. 2021 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Neobohaiornis[148] Shen et al. 2024 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Neogaeornis[149] Lambrecht 1929 Valid Late Cretaceous Chile
Neuquenornis[150] Chiappe & Calvo 1994 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Noguerornis[151] Lacasa-Ruiz 1989 Valid Early Cretaceous Spain
Novacaesareala Parris & Hope 2002 Valid Late Cretaceous United States May be Paleocene.
Novavis[152] O'Connor et al. 2025 In press Early Cretaceous China
Oculudentavis[153] Xing et al. 2020 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; reinterpreted as an indeterminate lizard.
Omnivoropteryx[154] Czerkas & Ji 2002 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Orienantius Liu et al. 2019 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Ostromia[155] Foth & Rauhut 2017 Valid Late Jurassic Germany Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Otogornis Hou 1994 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Palaeocursornis[75] Kessler & Jurcsak 1986 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; actually a pterosaur.
Palaeonornis Emmons 1857 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; actually a junior synonym of the phytosaur Rutiodon.[4]
Palaeopteryx Jensen 1981 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; more likely a non-avian theropod.
Palaeornis Mantell 1844 Misidentification N/A N/A Name preoccupied by the parrot Palaeornis Vigors 1825; name later replaced by Rexarthuria. Originally described as a bird; actually a pterosaur.
Palaeotringa Marsh 1870 Valid Late Cretaceous United States May be Paleocene.
Palintropus[156] Brodkorb 1970 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Canada
Parabohaiornis[135] Wang et al. 2014 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Parahesperornis[157] Martin 1984 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Parahongshanornis[158] Li et al. 2011 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Parapengornis[159] Hu et al. 2015 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Paraprotopteryx[160] Zheng et al. 2007 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Parascaniornis Lambrecht 1933 Junior synonym Late Cretaceous Sweden Junior synonym of Baptornis.
Parvavis[161] Wang et al. 2014 Valid Late Cretaceous China
Pasquiaornis[162] Tokaryk et al. 1997 Valid Late Cretaceous Canada
Patagopteryx[163] Alvarenga & Bonaparte 1992 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Pedopenna[164] Xu & Zhang 2005 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Pelagornis Seeley 1866 Preoccupied N/A N/A Named preoccupied by the Miocene bird Pelagornis Lartet 1857 and replaced by Enaliornis.
Pengornis[165] Zhou et al. 2008 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Piksi[166] Varricchio 2002 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; reinterpreted as a pterodactyloid pterosaur.
Piscivoravis[167] Zhou et al. 2013 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Piscivorenantiornis[168] Wang & Zhou 2017 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Platanavis[117] Nesov 1992 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
Plegadornis Wetmore 1962 Preoccupied N/A N/A Name preoccupied by the modern bird Plegadornis Brehm 1855; junior synonym of Ichthyornis.
Plumadraco[169] Clark et al. 2026 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Polarornis[170] Chatterjee 2002 Valid Late Cretaceous Antarctica
Potamornis[171] Elzanowski et al. 2001 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Praeornis[172] Rautian 1978 Valid Late Jurassic Kazakhstan
Priscavolucris[173] Gomez Pallerola 1979 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; reinterpreted as a hybodontiform fish.[174]
"Proornis" Lim 1993 Nomen nudum N/A N/A
Protarchaeopteryx[175] Ji & Ji 1997 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; actually a non-avian dinosaur.
Protoavis[176] Chatterjee 1991 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; more likely a chimaera of several vertebrates.
Protopteryx[177] Zhang & Zhou 2000 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Pterodactylus[178] Rafinesque 1815 Misidentification N/A N/A Sometimes thought to be a bird before being described as a pterosaur.
Pterygornis[179] Wang et al. 2015 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Pujatopouli[180] Irazoqui et al. 2025 Valid Late Cretaceous Antarctica
Qiliania[181] Ji et al. 2011 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Rahona[182] Forster et al. 1998a Preoccupied N/A N/A Name preoccupied by the moth Rahona Griveaud 1975 and replaced by Rahonavis.
Rahonavis[183] Forster et al. 1998b Valid Late Cretaceous Madagascar Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Rapaxavis[184] Morschhauser et al. 2009 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Rhamphorhynchus[185] Meyer 1846 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally thought to be a bird before being described as a pterosaur.
Samrukia[186] Naish et al. 2012 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally described as a bird; actually a pterosaur.
Sapeornis[187] Zhou & Zhang 2002 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Sazavis[188] Nesov 1989 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
Scansoriopteryx[189] Czerkas & Yuan 2002 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Schizooura[190] Zhou et al. 2012 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Serikornis[191] Lefèvre et al. 2017 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Shangyang Wang & Zhou 2019 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Shanweiniao[192] O'Connor et al. 2009 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Shengjingornis[193] Li et al. 2012 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Shenqiornis[194] Wang et al. 2010 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Shenshiornis[195] Hu 2010 Junior synonym Early Cretaceous China Junior synonym of Sapeornis.
Shenzhouraptor[196] Ji et al. 2002 Disputed Early Cretaceous China Possible synonym of Jeholornis.
Shuilingornis[197] Wang et al. 2025 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Similiyanornis[7] Wang et al. 2020 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Sinornis[198] Sereno & Rao 1992 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Songlingornis[55] Hou 1997 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Soroavisaurus[199] Chiappe 1993 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Struthiosaurus[200] Bunzel 1871 Misidentification N/A N/A Originally thought to be a bird; actually an ankylosaurian dinosaur.
"Styginetta" Stidham 2001 Nomen nudum N/A N/A Obscure; named in a thesis.
Sulcavis[201] O'Connor et al. 2013 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Telmatornis Marsh 1870 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Teviornis[202] Kurochkin et al. 2002 Valid Late Cretaceous Mongolia
Tianyuornis[203] Zheng et al. 2014 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Tingmiatornis[204] Bono et al. 2016 Valid Late Cretaceous Canada
Torotix[38] Brodkorb 1963 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Tytthostonyx[205] Olson & Parris 1987 Valid Late Cretaceous United States
Vegavis[206] Clarke et al. 2005 Valid Late Cretaceous Antarctica
Vescornis[207] Zhang et al. 2004 Disputed Early Cretaceous China Possible junior synonym of Jibeinia.
Volgavis[188] Nessov & Yarkov 1989 Valid Late Cretaceous Russia
Vorona[208] Forster et al. 1996 Valid Late Cretaceous Madagascar
Wasaibpanchi Malkani 2021 Disputed Late Cretaceous Pakistan Publication status uncertain.
Wellnhoferia[209] Elżanowski 2001 Disputed Late Jurassic Germany Possible junior synonym of Archaeopteryx.
Wyleyia[210] Harrison & Walker 1973 Valid Early Cretaceous England
Xiangornis[211] Hu et al. 2012 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Xinghaiornis[212] Wang et al. 2013 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Xiaotingia[213] Xu et al. 2011 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Yandangornis[214] Cai & Zhao 1999 Valid Late Cretaceous China
Yangavis[215] Wang et al. 2018 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Yanornis[216] Zhou & Zhang 2001 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Yatenavis[217] Herrera et al. 2022 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Yi[218] Xu et al. 2015 Valid Late Jurassic China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Yixianornis Zhou & Zhang 2001 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Yixianosaurus[219] Xu & Wang 2003 Valid Early Cretaceous China Considered a non-avialan theropod by some researchers.
Yuanchuavis[220] Wang et al. 2021 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Yuanjiawaornis[221] Hu et al. 2015 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Yumenornis[41] Wang et al. 2013 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Yungavolucris[222] Chiappe 1993 Valid Late Cretaceous Argentina
Yuornis[223] Xu et al. 2021 Valid Late Cretaceous China
Zhengheornis[224] Wang et al. 2026 Valid Late Jurassic China
Zhongjianornis[225] Zhou et al. 2010 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Zhongornis[226] Gao et al. 2008 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Zhouornis[227] Zhang et al. 2013 Valid Early Cretaceous China
Zhylgaia[228] Nessov 1988 Valid Late Cretaceous Kazakhstan Dating is uncertain; may be Late Cretaceous or Paleogene.
Zhyraornis[114] Nessov 1984 Valid Late Cretaceous Uzbekistan
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