Scientists believe they’ve discovered Earth’s first bird species, Vegavis iaai, found on a remote island off Antarctica. The fossil, which dates back 68 million years, shows features similar to modern geese and ducks that lived alongside dinosaurs. A nearly complete skull was recently reconstructed, revealing traits such as a toothless beak, large glands for salt removal, and powerful jaw muscles.
The discovery is significant because it fills an evolutionary gap in the fossil record. Paleontologists had previously found bird genomics suggesting some modern bird families emerged before the asteroid impact that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs. However, no characteristic fossils existed until Vegavis was discovered.
The skull’s unique features suggest Vegavis is closely related to modern waterfowl, but it differs from living ducks and geese. Its long, pointed beak and powerful jaw muscles indicate a bird that dove underwater after fish, similar to loons and grebes. The discovery provides evidence of diverse bird lineages at the end of the Cretaceous period, raising hopes for future discoveries about the ancestors of modern birds.
The research has sparked debate among scientists, with some expressing excitement over the find and others cautioning that it may not be enough to settle the question of Vegavis’s identity. However, the discovery highlights the importance of exploring the fossil record to better understand bird evolution.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/05/science/goose-duck-fossil.html