Page 180 - Atlas of Creation Volume 2

The fossilization of birds is generally a very rare
and difficult process because of the hollow struc-
ture of their bones. Bird fossils that are very well-
preserved with all their limbs are frequently
encountered, however, in the Messel Formation in
Germany. Messelornis cristata, shown here, is one
of the species most frequently discovered. This
bird, resembling a small crane in size, is generally
included as part of the crane family. It has short
feathers, long legs and short nails. Its tail feathers,
on the other hand, are quite long. The crest on its
head resembles a helmet. The total length of the
skeleton is 25 to 30 centimeters (9.8 to 11.8 in).

Some of the fossils belonging to different bird
species obtained from the Messel Formation in-
clude:

Aenigmavis
Messelornis
Palaeotis (a kind of ostrich)
Parargornis (a kind of flycatcher)
Selmes
Woodpecker
Hawk
Flamingo

178 Atlas of Creation Vol. 2