5 Ancient Birds That Continue to Live Today — Living Fossils of the Skie

22ND october 205

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Explore the fascinating birds whose ancestors date back millions of years and are still with us. 

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Often called a living fossil, the Hoatzin lives in the Amazon rainforest. Its chicks even have claws on their wings, a trait similar to ancient bird-dinosaurs 

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Hoatzin (South America) 

The Ostrich is the largest living bird and traces its lineage back around 56 million years. It shows how some bird lines retained ancient traits despite changing environments.  

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Ostrich (Africa) 

The Sandhill Crane has been around for more than 10 million years. Fossil evidence links it to birds that lived alongside mammoths, making it one of the oldest surviving species.  

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Sandhill Crane (North America) 

Native to the remote forests of New Caledonia, the Kagu may trace its lineage back over 30 million years. Its isolated habitat helped preserve its ancient traits.  

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Kagu (New Caledonia) 

The group of birds called Loon have remained relatively unchanged for around 50 million years. Their specialized diving bodies and solid bones show ancient adaptations.  

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Loons (Northern lakes)