White-headed Prowbeak

The prowbeak was found along the Thuringian shores of the shallow European epicontental sea that occurs along the western edge of the shrinking Thethys. Many varieties existed of prowbeaks, but among them, the especially toothsome white-headed prowbeak was the most numerous. Prolific, forming massive lekking colonies, white-heads are the most social amongst prowbeaks, but are also notorious raiders, and have been known to steal food from more adept hunting species such as the distantly related Dentate Heron-Jaw, Pterodactylus. Prowbeaks have very long, stiffened tails, crowned at the end with a broad flag-like vexillum, which is often colored bright shades without much ornamentation, but are highly visible. Dancing for mates is a common scene as males develop their leks -- or try to steal from other males' leks -- and involves vigorous dashes about a small area, tail held high, displaying the prowess and health of the dancer. During this time, the male consumes ample soft-shelled animals which pigments its facial skin and beak a bright pinkish red, and consequently the head is also turn pink.

Image: Rhamphorhynchus muensteri, on the shores of the Solnhofen lagoon, on one of the many Bavarian islands of the Late Jurassic.