Fossil from the dinosaur era uncovers a new early bird species

Paleontologists in Brazil unearthed a remarkably preserved fossil of a bird species named Navaornis hestiae, dating back 80 million years. This starling-sized bird provides crucial insights into avian brain evolution. The fossil’s three-dimensional skull allowed scientists to digitally reconstruct its brain, revealing a larger cerebrum than its ancestors, suggesting advancements in cognitive abilities.