Researchers, including a Johns Hopkins University evolutionary biologist, have recently analyzed a fossil of an extinct giant meat-eating bird in northern South America, providing new information about animal life millions of years ago. This terror bird, believed to be the largest known member of its kind, was identified based on a leg bone found in the Tatacoa Desert in Colombia. The bone is estimated to be 5%-20% larger than other known Phorusrhacids, with previous fossils indicating sizes ranging from 3 to 9 feet tall. These ground-dwelling birds had limbs adapted for running and primarily consumed other animals.
The fossil, dating back to the Miocene epoch around 12 million years ago, was initially discovered nearly two decades ago but was only recognized as a terror bird in 2023. Through the use of a portable scanner from Johns Hopkins Medicine, researchers created a three-dimensional virtual model of the specimen in January 2024, revealing deep pits unique to Phorusrhacid legs. The bone also showed probable teeth marks from an extinct caiman species, suggesting a fatal encounter with a crocodilian. This finding expands the known range of terror birds from the southern part of South America to Colombia, offering insight into the predatory wildlife of the region during this time period.
The region where the terror bird fossil was found was once teeming with diverse wildlife, including primates, hoofed mammals, giant sloths, and large armadillo relatives known as glyptodonts. The environment, which is now a desert, was characterized by meandering rivers and unique ecosystems not seen in the present day. This discovery provides a glimpse into an ancient ecosystem that is no longer present in nature, allowing researchers to reconstruct the interactions between different species and their environments. The study also suggests that there may be more undiscovered terror bird fossils in existing collections awaiting identification.
The researchers believe that the terror bird found in Colombia was likely a relatively uncommon species among the animals present in the region 12 million years ago. By studying this fossil, scientists can gain a better understanding of the diversity and distribution of wildlife during this time period. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of these giant birds and their role in the ecosystem, revealing a snapshot of prehistoric life that no longer exists. This finding highlights the importance of paleontological research in reconstructing past environments and understanding the interconnectedness of species in ancient ecosystems.
In addition to the significance of this fossil in expanding our knowledge of terror birds and prehistoric wildlife in northern South America, the study also emphasizes the collaborative efforts of researchers across different institutions. The team of scientists involved in this research, led by Federico J. Degrange and Siobhán Cooke of Johns Hopkins University, includes experts from various institutions in Colombia and Peru. Through their combined expertise and interdisciplinary approach, these researchers have uncovered valuable insights into the evolutionary history of these extinct giant birds and the ecosystems they inhabited, contributing to our understanding of the natural world millions of years ago.