Concornis

Abstract: The exquisitely preserved longipterygid enantiornithine Rapaxavis pani is redescribed here after more extensive preparation. A complete review of its morphology is presented based on information gathered before and after preparation. Among other features, Rapaxavis pani is characterized by having an elongate rostrum (close to 60% of the skull length), rostrally restricted dentition, and schizorhinal external nares. Yet, the most puzzling feature of this bird is the presence of a pair of pectoral bones (here termed paracoracoidal ossifications) that, with the exception of the enantiornithine Concornis lacustris, are unknown within Aves. Particularly notable is the presence of a distal tarsal cap, formed by the fusion of distal tarsal elements, a feature that is controversial in non-ornithuromorph birds. The holotype and only known specimen of Rapaxavis pani thus reveals important information for better understanding the anatomy and phylogenetic relationships of longipterygids, in particular, as well as bas...

Abstract: We conduct histological analysis of two sexually mature fossil birds from the Lower Cretaceous Jehol Group referable to Jeholornis sp. and Enantiornithes indet. Histology confirms that in these lineages of basal birds, sexual maturity was achieved before skeletal maturity. The samples reveal structural differences from previously described relevant specimens, indicating that the ontogenetic changes in bone tissue that occur in Mesozoic birds are more complicated than previously recognized. The female specimen of Jeholornis sectioned here is more vascularized than previously described specimens, with both reticular and longitudinal canals. The enantiornithine bone tissue is most similar to that reported for the Early Cretaceous Concornis, primarily formed by parallel-fibered bone but more vascularized than other reported adult enantiornithine specimens. The bone shows a distinct decrease in the rate of bone deposition, inferred to represent the onset of sexual maturity.