Fossil Bird Discoveries Unearthed in Bavaria
At the Hammer Schmiede clay quarry near Pforzen in Bavaria, researchers have uncovered previously unknown bird fossils dating back to the Miocene epoch. A team led by Dr. Gerald Mayr of the Senckenberg Research Institute and the Frankfurt Natural History Museum, alongside Dr. Thomas Lechner from Hammer Schmiede and Professor Madeleine Böhme from the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment at the University of Tübingen, identified six distinct bird species. Among these are a newly recognized genus and species of cormorant named Bavaricarbo brevirostris, and a Miocene eagle, Mioaetus pforzenensis. These findings provide fresh insights into the complex food webs that existed in the Miocene waters around Hammer Schmiede.
The Significance of the Hammer Schmiede Quarry
Located near Pforzen in eastern Allgäu, the Hammer Schmiede clay quarry holds great paleontological importance. Previous excavations here have revealed fossils of two early hominoid primates and numerous vertebrate species. Birds represent a rare discovery in this site, comprising only one out of every forty bone finds. As Thomas Lechner notes,
“Bird fossils are among the rarest finds at Hammer Schmiede.”
The newly identified avian species include:
- Cormorants
- Loons
- Eagles
- The snakebird Anhinga pannonica
- Giant cranes
- Aquatic birds such as Allgoviachen tortonica
- Dwarf ducks
The recently described cormorant species, Bavaricarbo brevirostris—known as the Bavarian short-billed cormorant—is the latest representative of an extinct lineage of primitive cormorants. Dr. Mayr explains,
“The bones of the humerus and foot in Bavaricarbo are shaped differently from those of modern cormorants. This suggests it likely had superior flying abilities compared to today's species but was probably limited to shallow-water diving, such as in the river near Hammer Schmiede.”
In addition, fossils of the snakebird Anhinga pannonica and a tibiotarsus bone from a hawk-like bird (family Accipitridae), distinct from current species and somewhat resembling an osprey, were found. Mayr adds,
“The hawk’s tibiotarsus we uncovered differs significantly from any living species and shows resemblance to an osprey.”Frequent discoveries of the large snakebird point to a dominance of fish-eating diving birds in the rivers of the Hammer Schmiede region. Professor Böhme comments,
“When combined with frequent finds of Anhinga pannonica, it becomes clear that fish-hunting diving birds were prevalent in the Miocene river ecosystems here.”
The Miocene environment at Hammer Schmiede also featured five fish-eating mammals, including three otter species and two types of seals. To date, 161 vertebrate species have been documented at this site. Research continues actively, with Chinese paleontologists describing a new feathered dinosaur species in 2026 dating to roughly 120 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous. This dinosaur is the only known member of the group Pinaraptor, notable for its large feathers on the hind limbs and a long, fan-shaped tail plume.
These recent bird fossil discoveries reinforce Hammer Schmiede’s pivotal role in studying avian evolution and ecological interactions during the Miocene. The international research team’s work not only broadens our understanding of paleobiology but also sheds light on past environmental shifts. Such findings can influence future studies aimed at exploring how birds adapted to changing habitats and their ecological functions within ancient ecosystems.
The discovery of new bird species in Bavaria highlights the ongoing advancements in paleontology, similar to recent findings in other regions. For instance, researchers have also identified a new extinct armadillo species, shedding light on the diverse fauna that once roamed our planet. To explore more about this significant discovery and its implications for understanding prehistoric ecosystems, visit the latest armadillo findings.