Newly Discovered Cretaceous Birds of Prey Unearthed in North America

Fossils reveal hawk-sized avians with powerful feet, coexisting with dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex.

Researchers identified two new bird species, Avisaurus darwini and Magnusavis ekalakaensis, from fossils found in the Hell Creek Formation.
These birds, dating back 67 million years, had anatomical traits similar to modern birds of prey, suggesting they hunted small mammals and possibly baby dinosaurs.
The fossils consist of tarsometatarsus bones, which show adaptations for capturing and carrying prey, akin to the feet of contemporary raptors.
These findings expand the understanding of avian diversity during the Late Cretaceous, highlighting the ecological roles of enantiornithines.
The study underscores how fragmentary fossils can provide significant insights into evolutionary trends and ancient ecosystems.