Neornithes is a taxonomic group within the class Aves, which consists of all modern birds. The term "neornithes" is derived from the Greek words "neo," meaning new, and "ornithes," meaning birds. This evolutionary group emerged during the Late Cretaceous period and thrived after the mass extinction event that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs.
Characterized by their feathered bodies, beaked jaws, hard-shelled eggs, and the ability to fly, neornithes exhibit a wide diversity in their morphology, behavior, and ecological adaptations. They have evolved various adaptations to occupy different ecological niches, such as long beaks for probing flowers, sharp talons for catching fish, or streamlined bodies for aerial maneuverability.
The neornithes are classified into two major groups based on their palate structure: the Paleognathae (ratites and tinamous) and the Neognathae (all other birds). The Paleognathae consists of large flightless birds with flat palates, while the Neognathae comprises the vast majority of bird species, including passerines, raptors, seabirds, waterfowl, and various other groups.
Neornithes have successfully colonized nearly all terrestrial and aquatic habitats, from polar regions to rainforests and from open grasslands to oceans. They play vital roles in ecosystems as predator and prey, seed dispersers, pollinators, and scavengers, contributing to the overall biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems.
Due to their remarkable diversity, beauty, and ecological importance, the study of neornithes has captivated scientists, naturalists, and birdwatchers alike, making them one of the most celebrated and well-studied groups of vertebrates on the planet
