Researchers from Italy, Norway, and Austria have made a fascinating discovery concerning an ancient extinct goose relative that once roamed what is now central Italy. Their findings, detailed in a paper published in Royal Society Open Science, shed light on the appearance and behavior of this enigmatic bird that lived approximately 6 to 9 million years ago.
The fossils of this ancient goose relative were unearthed in the Gargano region near Scontrone, central Italy—a region that was an island in the Mediterranean during the bird’s existence. Analysis of the bones suggests that the bird weighed around 22 kilograms and stood roughly one and a half meters tall. Interestingly, its wings appeared too small for flight, a common evolutionary trait seen in island-dwelling birds that no longer rely on flight for survival. This characteristic is attributed to the absence of natural predators on islands, leading to a reduced need for flight as an escape mechanism.
The researchers also observed carpal knobs on the carpometacarpus bone of the bird’s wings, a feature found in modern birds used for fighting and territorial disputes. Based on this, the researchers propose that the ancient bird, named Garganornis ballmanni, was likely a formidable fighter, possibly engaging in conflicts over territory and resources.
Similar behavior is seen in modern birds like certain ducks and geese, known for their territorial aggression. Notably, the Rodrigues solitaire, another extinct bird, was renowned for its aggressive behavior, engaging in intense fights resulting in broken bones. Given its large size, G. ballmanni likely relied on its formidable stature to deter attackers and secure vital resources such as fresh water.
The discovery of G. ballmanni fossils at the Scontrone dig site is significant as they represent the first bird remains found at the location. This finding opens up new avenues for understanding ancient avian life and provides valuable insights into the behavior and adaptations of island-dwelling bird species during the distant past. As researchers continue to delve into the mysteries of prehistoric life, each new discovery adds to our understanding of the rich diversity of Earth’s ancient ecosystems.