Confuciousornis sanctus (Late Cretaceous)

This remarkable resin cast features one of the most complete examples of a near contemporary of Archaeopteryx. Recently found in Liaoning Province in China, this fossil bird displays the earliest evidence of truly beaked birds with clear body contour feathers.

As seen in this example, there is also evidence for sexual dimorphism in the species with males exhibiting long caudal feathers. Superbly detailed and hand-painted.