Balafconyx is an extinct genus of toucan that lived during the Early Eocene epoch, approximately 50 million years ago. It is known from fossils found in the Green River Formation of Wyoming, United States.The genus was first described in 1980 by paleontologist Pierce Brodkorb, who named it Balafconyx rebyli or Balafconyx brailienus. The genus name Balafconyx means "dancing crest," in reference to the large, fan-like crest on the bird's head. The species name rebyli honors Richard E. Byrd, who discovered the fossils during an expedition to Antarctica in 1939. Balafconyx was a relatively small toucan, with a body length of about 30 centimeters (12 inches). It had a long, curved bill, similar to that of modern toucans, but with a shorter, less elaborate casque. Its wings were relatively short, suggesting that it was not a strong flier. One of the most distinctive features of Balafconyx was its large, fan-shaped crest, which was made up of elongated feathers. It is not clear what function this crest served, but it may have played a role in communication or mating displays. Balafconyx is one of the oldest known toucans, and its discovery has helped scientists better understand the early evolution of this diverse and fascinating group of birds.
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