Fluvioviridavis nazensis

Fluvioviridavis nazensis

Mayr & Kitchener, 2024

Common name Nightbird relative
Fossil group Birds
Order Strisores
Family Fluvioviridavidae
Genus Fluvioviridavis
Taxonomic status Accepted
Geological age Ypresian

Summary

Fluvioviridavis nazensis was a small early strisorean belonging to the extinct Fluvioviridavidae. Its skeleton documents a branch of the broader nightbird and swift radiation that retained its own distinctive combination of wing and pectoral anatomy rather than the specialisations of modern nightjars or swifts.

It was fully volant and likely took small animal prey, with insectivory a reasonable inference. Whether it hunted continuously in the air, sallied from perches or used another strategy is not known. Several associated skeletons provide a better anatomical basis than is available for many historical London Clay bird names.

Quick Identification

Look for: a small associated Fluvioviridavis skeleton, particularly the humerus, ulna and carpometacarpus in combination. Isolated elements need specialist comparison with F. michaeldanielsi because both species occur at Walton.

Diagnostic Features

  • The species has the distinctive non apodiform strisorean pectoral and wing construction of Fluvioviridavidae.
  • The humerus provides important proximal and distal characters used in the original diagnosis.
  • The ulna and carpometacarpus preserve a consistent Fluvioviridavis proportional pattern.
  • The species differs from F. michaeldanielsi through a combination of size, proportions and detailed osteology.
  • Associated forelimb material is substantially more reliable for identification than a single damaged bone.

Fossil Details

Preservation
Forelimb bones are small and can be compressed. Joint ends should be complete before making species level comparisons.

Similar Species

Recorded Fossil Sites

No fossil-site occurrences have yet been recorded for this species.

Last Reviewed
16 August 2026 Reviewed by Sam Harris