Eocypselus fossil map
Where fossils of Eocypselus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 56 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 56 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Prehistoric birds |
|---|---|
| Lived | 56–48.07 million years ago (Ypresian) |
| Periods | Paleogene |
| Family | Eocypselidae |
| Named by | Harrison 1984 |
| Fossil records | 2 occurrences at 2 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | Denmark, United States |
| Rock formations | Fur, Green River |
About Eocypselus
Eocypselus is a genus of prehistoric birds related to modern hummingbirds and swifts. Five species of Eocypselus are currently known. Compared with modern apodiforms, it may have been a better percher with shorter wing feathers, and it might have been nocturnal.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Eocypselus (revision 1379751091), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q21078744.
