Researchers from Saratov National Research State University have identified a thigh bone fragment belonging to the ancient toothed bird known as Hesperornis rossicus, a species that thrived in the Saratov region around 80 million years ago. This discovery adds new context to what is known about this distinctive flightless seabird and its place in the Late Cretaceous ecosystem. The finding was shared with socialbites.ca, citing information from the Ministry of Education and Science.
The fragment came to light in an abandoned quarry near the village of Karyakino, in the Tatishevsky district of the Saratov region. Detailed analysis confirms that the specimen is part of Hesperornis rossicus, the Russian representative of Hesperornithes. This lineage is famous for water-adapted traits, and the thigh bone helps illuminate how these birds lived and moved thousands of years ago.
During the Late Cretaceous period, roughly 85 to 65 million years ago, Hesperornithes inhabited the Lower Volga region. They were closely tied to aquatic environments. Researchers note that Hesperornis had strong claws suited for swimming and wings that were reduced, effectively limiting flight. These birds likely hunted medium-sized fish, relying on their agile bodies to chase prey while avoiding top predators such as sharks, plesiosaurs, and mosasaurs. The bones of these birds remain rare finds in Eurasia, making each new fossil essential to reconstructing their history.
New evidence indicates that the Russian Hesperornis differed from its North American relatives, suggesting distinct evolutionary paths within the group. The Russian species is thought to have been among the largest Hesperornithes known, highlighting the regional variation within this long lineage of ancient seabirds.
Historically, the perception of Hesperornis shifted over time. Early interpretations placed the bird primarily within the Western Inland Sea landscape of what is now North America. The first major discoveries were made there in the 19th century. In Russia, significant finds emerged later, with early material uncovered in Volgograd during the 1980s. In 1993, paleontologists Lev Nessov and Aleksandr Yarkov described the species Hesperornis rossicus. While some scientists once challenged the validity of this taxon, the more recent femur discovery supports its recognition as a genuine species. This perspective comes from NG Chernyshevsky Maxim Arkhangelsky and colleagues, who emphasize the importance of the new fossil in confirming the taxon’s status.
The research team behind the study comprises scientists from Saratov National Research State University named after NG Chernyshevsky and the Paleontology Institute named after AA Borisyak of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Their collaborative work underscores the value of cross-institutional efforts in paleontology, enabling more precise reconstructions of ancient life and its distribution across regions that once formed vast, interconnected habitats.
In a broader context, the ongoing exploration of Hesperornithes sheds light on how flightless, aquatic birds adapted to their environments, including the evolution of wing size, limb structure, and feeding strategies. Each new fossil, such as the recent Russian femur, helps scientists piece together ecological networks that once linked rivers, seas, and shorelines across ancient Eurasia. These discoveries also refine our understanding of the diversity and geographic range of Late Cretaceous seabirds, offering a clearer picture of how modern birds inherited traits from their ancient ancestors. The field continues to unfold, with new finds prompting fresh questions and guiding future excavation and analysis. (attribution: Ministry of Education and Science; Socialbites)
Formerly paleontologists to solve It was stated that the extinct megalodon shark, which reached 15 meters in length, was warm-blooded.