Sydney, June 4: Flinders University researchers have uncovered a nearly intact skull of the prehistoric giant bird Genyornis newtoni, providing fresh insights over a century after the first heavily damaged skull was reported in 1913.
The new discovery, made in the remote region of Lake Callabonna, South Australia, follows 128 years of exploration and investigation, offering a clearer picture of this extinct species.
The fossils, excavated during Flinders University Palaeontology Lab field trips in 2019, include a near-complete skeleton, confirming the skull’s attribution to Genyornis newtoni, a bird that went extinct around 45,000 years ago.
This remarkable discovery, now detailed in the journal Historical Biology, sheds light on the bird’s ecology, functional morphology, and evolutionary relationships.
The skull of Genyornis newtoni is far from ordinary.
Weighing approximately 230 kg, about five times the weight of a Southern Cassowary, it features a massive braincase, large jaws, and an unusual casque atop its head.
The upper beak, in particular, shows a surprising morphology that sets this bird apart from its closest relatives.
“Genyornis newtoni had a tall and mobile upper jaw like that of a parrot but shaped like a goose, a wide gape, strong bite force, and the ability to crush soft plants and fruit on the roof of their mouth,” says lead author Phoebe McInerney.
The skull also reveals complex similarities to early diverging waterfowl lineages, such as the South American screamers and the Australian magpie goose.
“The exact relationships of Genyornis within this group have been complicated to unravel; however, with this new skull, we have started to piece together the puzzle which shows, simply put, this species to be a giant goose,” McInerney adds.
The discovery of the first fossil upper bill of Genyornis was particularly exciting for the researchers.
“For the first time, we could put a face on this bird, one very different from any other bird, yet like a goose,” says coauthor Dr. Trevor Worthy.
Examining the morphology of the skull provided insights into its function, including the muscles and movements in each joint.
“The form of a bone and structures on it are partly related to the soft tissues that interact with them, such as muscles and Giant ‘Giga-Goose’ Skull Found, and their attachment sites or passages,” explains coauthor Jacob Blokland. “Using modern birds as comparatives, we are able to put flesh back on the fossils and bring them back to life.”
Additionally, the study found that these giant birds had unique adaptations for aquatic habitats, such as protections for their ears and throat from water when submerged.
These adaptations suggest Genyornis was a giant prehistoric goose, possibly linked to its extinction as freshwater bodies in northern South Australia turned into salt lakes.
With this discovery, researchers have gained invaluable insights into the life and ultimate disappearance of Genyornis newtoni, enhancing our understanding of the prehistoric Australian outback and its fascinating megafauna.
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