Shuilingornis
Shuilingornis is an extinct genus of gansuid euornithean birds from the Early Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of China. The genus contains a single species, S. angelai, known from a nearly complete articulated skeleton. As a member of the Gansuidae, Shuilingornis represents one of the earliest known birds known to demonstrate semi-aquatic adaptations.
Discovery and naming
The Shuilingornis holotype specimen, LY2022JZ3002, was discovered in sediments of the Jiufotang Formation in Jianchang County of Huludao City, Liaoning Province, China. The specimen is a nearly complete and articulated skeleton, preserved on a single slab. Some feather imprints are visible around the hand of the holotype. An egg-shaped pigmented spot is preserved in the abdominal region, indicating some form of soft tissue. Similarly, a dark spot observed in the orbital region likely represents traces of the eye.In 2024, Wang et al. announced Shuilingornis angelai as a new genus and species of gansuid avialans based on these fossil remains. The generic name, Shuilingornis, combines the Chinese word "shuiling", meaning "pretty and vivid", with the Greek word "ornis", meaning "bird". The specific name, angelai, honors Piero Angela, an Italian science communicator and journalist. The final version of the article describing Shuilingornis angelai was published in the following year.