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Description
The unusual Malleornithids are a family of basal Oviraptoroids that have a long yet cryptic fossil history, with genetic studies revealing that they diverged from other Oviraptorosaurs during the Early Eocene circa 50 mya. However, unambiguous fossil material belonging to the group is rare and often fragmentary. It would appear that this group first evolved in Asia and have remained endemic to this region ever since, with the oldest members known from Middle Eocene aged deposits in what is now China and Myanmar. Most forms tend to be modest in size, reaching a maximum length of 2m and are strongly adapted to a durophagous ecological niche, possessing massive, crushing beaks similar to those of grosbeak finches. Living solitary lives on the tropical forest floor, Malleornithids feed on roots, tubers, seeds and tough-skinned fallen fruit, being especially partial to members of Moraceae. The Middle Miocene Bandongoraptor of Thailand was little different in this regard, being a 2m terrestrial forager that fed on tough and energy rich food stuffs. Like its modern relatives, which remain native to South East Asia and Indonesia, this animal was probably largely solitary in nature, with males and females only coming together to breed. The males are very showy and colorful, while females are often drab shades of brown and grey. Both sexes are polygamous, with males building nests and performing dance routines in order to attract mates. The deep, booming calls of displaying males can carry great distances through the forest. Females will visit the nest of the most appealing males, mating with the occupant and laying her clutch of eggs in his nest. He will then depart, with the female brooding the eggs and tending to the precocious hatchlings alone.

Art by Sheather

Description
The unusual Malleornithids are a family of basal Oviraptoroids that have a long yet cryptic fossil history, with genetic studies revealing that they diverged from other Oviraptorosaurs during the Early Eocene circa 50 mya. However, unambiguous fossil material belonging to the group is rare and often fragmentary. It would appear that this group first evolved in Asia and have remained endemic to this region ever since, with the oldest members known from Middle Eocene aged deposits in what is now China and Myanmar. Most forms tend to be modest in size, reaching a maximum length of 2m and are strongly adapted to a durophagous ecological niche, possessing massive, crushing beaks similar to those of grosbeak finches. Living solitary lives on the tropical forest floor, Malleornithids feed on roots, tubers, seeds and tough-skinned fallen fruit, being especially partial to members of Moraceae. The Middle Miocene Bandongoraptor of Thailand was little different in this regard, being a 2m terrestrial forager that fed on tough and energy rich food stuffs. Like its modern relatives, which remain native to South East Asia and Indonesia, this animal was probably largely solitary in nature, with males and females only coming together to breed. The males are very showy and colorful, while females are often drab shades of brown and grey. Both sexes are polygamous, with males building nests and performing dance routines in order to attract mates. The deep, booming calls of displaying males can carry great distances through the forest. Females will visit the nest of the most appealing males, mating with the occupant and laying her clutch of eggs in his nest. He will then depart, with the female brooding the eggs and tending to the precocious hatchlings alone.

Art by Sheather