New Discovery

New Discovery

The process of discovery is part of the thrill for paleontologists, and many bird skulls and skeletons from the Green River Formation are still being studied to identify their species. For example, this recently discovered specimen appears be closely related to Morsoravis sedilis, a fossil species from Denmark. Only time will tell if the two belong in an entirely new family together.

Beautifully preserved, this specimen took months to clean and prepare for display. Careful preparators at The Field Museum found nearly all of the feathers still in articulation with the skeleton! To date, 200 bird skulls and/or relatively complete articulated skeletons have been discovered at the site.

Specimen:  Undescribed species similar to Morsoravis sedilis, FMNH PA789

Locality:  Fossil Butte Member of Green River Formation

Credit:  Courtesy L. Grande