The latest paleontological discovery in New Zealand has brought a previously unknown species of parrot into the spotlight. Named Heracles Inexpectatus, this creature was no ordinary bird. Scientists have found that it was the largest parrot that ever lived, standing at least one metre tall and weighing a staggering seven kilograms. This startling find was made near St. Bathans, an area of southern New Zealand that is rich in fossils from the Miocene period.
A Discovery of Epic Proportions
The Heracles Inexpectatus fossil was unearthed nestled within an environment which is around 19 million years old. The excavation site was none other than St. Bathans, a locale known for its wealth of fossils originating from the Miocene period. This fascinating discovery brings to light yet another exceptional extinct creature that once inhabited New Zealand’s diverse ecosystem.
Heracles Inexpectatus: A Glimpse into the Past
This enormous parrot, named after a Greek hero renowned for his strength and courage, was among the flightless birds, unable to soar across the sky like its modern counterparts. The term ‘Inexpectatus’ in its name refers to the unexpected nature of this find, as scientists previously had no idea such a bird could grow so large.
Size Comparison: A Parrot Beyond Imagination
The sheer magnitude of Heracles Inexpectatus is truly mind-boggling. With a height of at least one meter and a weight of up to seven kilograms, this parrot was approximately the size of the giant dodo pigeon. In fact, it was two times the size of the kakapo, the largest known parrot prior to this discovery, which is also a critically endangered bird from New Zealand.
| Species | Height | Weight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heracles Inexpectatus | 1 metre | 7 kilograms | Extinct |
| Giant Dodo Pigeon | Close to 1 metre | Varies | Extinct |
| Kakapo | Half metre | Up to 4 kilograms | Critically Endangered |
New Zealand’s Legacy of Giant Birds
New Zealand has a history of being home to several extinct giant bird species. The most famous of these is the Moa, a flightless bird that stood an imposing 3.6 metres tall. This legacy of massive avian life forms adds another layer of intrigue to the country’s already diverse and rich paleontological record.
