For the first time, fossil hunters have uncovered evidence of birds nesting in the Arctic 73 million years ago, pushing back the date by over 25 million years. The discovery of more than 50 bird fossils in Alaska’s Prince Creek formation sheds new light on the evolution of birds and their role in the ecosystem.
The find is significant because it shows that birds were integral members of high-latitude communities tens of millions of years ago, challenging existing views on ancient avian evolution. The oldest known evidence for polar nesting was a penguin colony from Antarctica, dating back 46.5 million years.
Researchers believe the newly discovered fossils show that these prehistoric birds were close relatives of modern birds, with some species resembling ducks and others having teeth. The discovery also suggests that many of these birds were migratory, spending part of their year in the Arctic but possibly returning to warmer areas during the winter.
The excavation process was meticulous, involving careful excavation, washing, and sieving of small deposits to isolate tiny fossils. Many of the bones found were from embryos or hatchlings, providing valuable insights into bird evolution.
Experts say the discovery fills a major gap in our understanding of bird evolution, revealing that these birds played a crucial role in pollination, seed dispersal, and other essential tasks in the ecosystem. The findings also highlight the importance of preserving the Arctic environment for future generations.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/may/29/birds-were-nesting-in-the-arctic-during-age-of-dinosaurs-scientists-discover