A field guide to mesozoic birds and other winged dinosaurs

like in life based on fossil and other geologic evidence.
Size:
Estimated wingspan (WS), body length (skeletal; BL) and total length (i.e.
including rectrices; TL) are given where possible in metric and American
units. If relatively complete wings are known but lack complete primary
feathers, wing span is given as >(arm span).
Features:
Description of any distinguishing features which would have been visible
externally based on known fossil evidence or inferred based on related species.
Some species are distinguished only based on anatomy which would
not have been visible in life without dissection. These are reconstructed
with speculative variations in color, plumage, or other soft tissue features.
Biology:
Description of any biological or behavioral features that can be reasonably
inferred, including differences between various growth stages, differences
between sexes, behavior/interaction with the environment, and diet.
Species are arranged into major groups, which are organized in roughly
chronological sequence, though minor groups (“subfamilies” etc.) are
placed together where possible for purposes of comparison. Poses are standardized
in either slow-walking or standing/alert postures. For species
inferred to be highly arboreal, a perching pose is used. Dorsal views are
provided to illustrate wing shape for those species that may have been able
to fly or glide. For species that exhibit modifications or reductions of the
teeth, presence of toothlessness and/or a beak, or other notable features not
visible in a lateral standing posture, additional anatomical illustrations are
provided.
Note that the individuals illustrated together on each page are not drawn to
exact scale, though where possible they are drawn to approximate relative
sizes. Scale diagrams are provided with each species for comparison.
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