The recent trove of remains, including a nearly foot-long skull, was found in 2019.
The only other known skull of Genyornis was found in 1913, and it was heavily damaged.
Their research ispublishedtoday in Historical Biology.
A paleoart reconstruction of G. newtoni.Illustration: Jacob C. Blokland
The teams research has shaken up those conclusions.
This would have likely contributed to Genyornis becoming locally extinct in this region.
More fossils may continue to develop paleontologists understanding of this gigantic goose-like forager.
A graphic showing the placement of Genyornis among other birds and a size comparison with the cassowary and screamers.Graphic: McInerney et al., Historical Biology 2024
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A reconstruction of Genyornis’ skull.Image: Jacob C. Blokland
