New fossil discovery reveals oldest known modern bird from dinosaur era

A new fossil of an ancient bird named Vegavis iaai has been discovered on Vega Island, Antarctica. This bird lived about 69 million years ago, making it the oldest known member of the lineage that includes all modern birds. Previously, Vegavis fossils lacked sufficient cranial remains for classification. The new find includes a nearly complete skull, allowing scientists to confirm its place among anatomically modern birds based on specific features of its beak and brain. Vegavis was an early waterfowl, similar to today’s loons and grebes, and specialized in hunting fish in a temperate marine environment. This area was once forested, contrasting sharply with its current icy landscape.