Protopteryx in Ginkgo Tree

Protopteryx in Ginkgo Tree

Protopteryx was an early bird from the early Cretaceous Period.  It lived about 130 million years ago.  Its name means first wing or first feather.  It was about 8.5 inches or 21.5 cm long.  That is slightly smaller than the American Robin.  Protopteryx had three claws on its arms or wings and 3 front claws and a dew claw for grasping on each foot.  

Protopteryx from Dinosaur Train

This drawing was inspired by an episode of Dinosaur Train.  That was a great show.  I just learned yesterday that last season was its last.  But it exists on reruns and on Amazon Prime and our granddaughter LOVES it!  I was watching the show with my granddaughter and learned about Protopteryx.  I then looked up more about the species online.  Its barbed at the tip long tail feathers are like those found on the Red Bird of Paradise. 

Red Bird of Paradise 

Photo from Cornell Lab of Ornithology