![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/Hesperornis_regalis.jpg/640px-Hesperornis_regalis.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Hesperornis
genus of birds (fossil) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hesperornis is an extinct genus of flightless aquatic birds that lived during the Upper Cretaceous (89–65 million years ago).
Quick Facts Hesperornis Temporal range: 89–65 million years ago: Upper Cretaceous, Scientific classification ...
Hesperornis Temporal range: 89–65 million years ago: Upper Cretaceous | |
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H. regalis skeleton in swimming pose; note feet pointing sideways. | |
Scientific classification | |
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Subclass: | Hesperornithes |
Family: | Hesperornithidae |
Genus: | Hesperornis Marsh, 1872 |
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Hesperornis was an important early find in the history of avian paleontology. It was discovered by the paleontologist O.C. Marsh in the late 19th century Bone Wars.
Famous locations for Hesperornis are the Upper Cretaceous marine limestones from Kansas and the marine shales from Canada. The genus probably had a Holarctic distribution.