Eocypselus rowei facts for kids

Eocypselus rowei was an extinct bird. It is thought to be an early ancestor of today's amazing hummingbirds and swifts. This small bird was less than 5 in (13 cm) long. It likely had black feathers. Scientists first described this bird in 2013. It lived about 50 million years ago. This was during a time called the Eocene epoch.

Discovering an Ancient Bird

Scientists first described Eocypselus rowei in 2013. The team included Daniel T. Ksepka and Julia A. Clarke. Sterling J. Nesbitt, Felicia B. Kulp, and Lance Grande were also part of the group. Their findings were published in a science journal.

Finding a Special Fossil

The researchers found a very well-preserved fossil. It came from the Green River Formation in Wyoming. They saw it while working at Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. This fossil was special because it had almost a full skeleton. It also had well-preserved feathers.

What the Fossil Showed

The fossil even contained tiny structures called melanosomes. These are like tiny packages of color inside cells. They help give feathers their color. The scientists named the new bird species after John Rowe. He was the Chairman of the Field Museum's Board of Trustees. They honored him because they thought he was a "fossil geek" who loved ancient life.

How Scientists Group Birds

Scientists believe E. rowei is an early form of a bird group called Apodiformes. This group includes all modern hummingbirds, tree swifts, and swifts. Earlier studies of other Eocypselus fossils from Europe also suggested this link.

What Eocypselus rowei Was Like

Eocypselus rowei had features that were a mix of both hummingbirds and swifts. One scientist, Daniel Ksepka, said it was "the closest we've gotten to the point where swifts and hummingbirds went their separate ways." This means it shows us what their common ancestor might have looked like.

Size and Flight

This ancient bird probably did not hover like a hummingbird. It also was not a super-fast flyer like a modern swift. E. rowei was very small. It measured less than 5 in (13 cm) from its head to its tail. Its feathers made up more than half of its wing size.

Appearance and Diet

The bird was small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It weighed less than 1 ounce (28 g). It likely had black feathers. It might have even had a shiny, iridescent look, like some modern swifts. E. rowei lived about 50 million years ago. It probably ate insects.