Australia's Giant Thunderbird: New Skull Reveals Aquatic Adaptations and Extinction Clues

Australia's Giant Thunderbird: New Skull Reveals Secrets of Extinct Bird A recent discovery sheds light on the Genyornis newtoni, a giant flightless bird that once roamed Australia. Scientists have described a newly found skull, revealing surprising details about its size, diet, and lifestyle. The bird, weighing over 500 pounds and standing six feet tall, appears to have had adaptations for feeding in water, including an enclosed palate and nostrils positioned far back. "The skull is revealing some new information regarding this giant bird," says science educator Zeke Darwin. The find also offers insights into Genyornis's evolutionary relationships. While previously considered landfowl, the skull's characteristics suggest a closer link to waterfowl, particularly screamers. The extinction of Genyornis, like many other megafauna, remains debated, but the decline in freshwater sources likely played a significant role. The discovery underscores the importance of paleontological research in understanding Australia's prehistoric past.