The remains of a roughly 115-million-year-old bird were uncovered in Brazil, and they were complete enough to show that it had two rather unique tail feathers.
During a recent expedition in Brazil, researchers found all sorts of fossils, but one of them really stands out.
The remains of a roughly 115-million-year-old bird were uncovered, and they were complete enough to show that it had two rather unique tail feathers.
Each is characterized as being ‘ribbonlike’ and capped with an arrow-shaped array of feathers.
Scientists have already determined the plumage wasn’t likely of much use for flying. They have formulated a couple of theories about other ways in which it may have been beneficial.
Among them are as a means of sexual display, visual communication, or identifying similar species.
Information gleaned about the particular bird found is much more definitive.
It measures about 5 and-a-half inches long,
