Aves indet.

Aves indet.

Higher-taxon identificationIdentified to: Class
Common name Indeterminate Bird
Fossil group Birds

Summary

This record is used for fossil bird remains that can confidently be recognised as avian but cannot be assigned to a more precise taxonomic group. Isolated limb bones, vertebrae and fragmentary joint ends are particularly likely to remain at this level when the features needed for an order, family, genus or species identification are incomplete or absent.

Quick Identification

Look for: relatively light, thin-walled bone, smooth narrow shafts, strongly shaped joint ends and, where broken, a hollow or partly pneumatic interior. Compare the whole shape carefully because not every bird bone is hollow and isolated fragments can resemble small reptiles or mammals.

Identification Features

  • Long-bone walls are often relatively thin for the overall diameter of the element.
  • Many elements have a hollow or pneumatic internal space rather than a shaft filled throughout with cancellous bone.
  • Joint ends are commonly strongly moulded, with grooves, condyles and projections packed into a compact area.
  • Shafts are often slender and smooth compared with similarly sized terrestrial mammal bones.
  • Fusion or reduction of neighbouring bones can produce distinctive compound or highly specialised elements.

Recorded Fossil Sites

Reculver Sand Member

Thanet Formation
Expected / Unconfirmed
Reculver

Wrabness Member

Harwich Formation
Expected / Unconfirmed
Harwich
Last Reviewed
19 August 2026 Reviewed by Sam Harris