Mexican officials recently revealed a remarkable discovery at a bustling construction site for a new airport: an ancient flamingo egg estimated to be around eight to twelve thousand years old. The find has piqued the interest of archaeologists and adds to our understanding of the region’s prehistoric past.
Details of the discovery
A highly exceptional find, the well-preserved egg hails from the Pleistocene epoch and is a rare gem indeed. According to Mexico’s heritage institute INAH, it is the first of its kind ever discovered from the Phoenicopteridae flamingo family in the Americas, while, globally, it is only the second of its type.
The ancient flamingo egg fossil was discovered at a depth of thirty-one centimeters (one foot) amidst clay and shale. The find took place during the construction activities at the new Felipe Angeles airport, located in the State of Mexico, as reported by INAH.
This exciting discovery offers valuable insights into the ancient history of the region. INAH made this announcement, bringing attention to the significance of the find.
Ancient preserved flamingo egg found in Mexico during airport construction https://t.co/QbJ4T9zbSw
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Pleistocene geological epoch
The Pleistocene geological epoch, which marked the most recent Ice Age, started approximately 2.6 million years ago. It extended for a considerable period, finally coming to an end around 11,700 years ago.
During this epoch, significant climate changes and glaciations occurred, shaping the Earth’s landscape and influencing the evolution of various species.
Shallow lake area
Mexican scientists deduced from the fossil egg that the area was once a shallow lake around eight to thirty-three thousand years ago. This finding suggests that flamingos thrived in central Mexico during that time period.
The discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient environmental conditions and the diverse wildlife that once flourished there.
The modern American flamingo species, recognized for its vibrant pink plumage, primarily inhabits regions in South America, the Caribbean, the Yucatán Peninsula, and the southeast coast of the United States.
These striking birds are known for their graceful presence and distinctive coloration, making them a captivating sight in their natural habitats.
More about Phoenicopteridae family
The family Phoenicopteridae comprises three living genera and six living species. The first genus, Phoenicopterus, includes three species: American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber), greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus), and Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis).
The second genus, Phoenicoparrus, consists of two species: puna flamingos (Phoenicoparrus jamesi) and Andean flamingos (Phoenicoparrus andinus).
The third and final genus, Phoeniconaias, includes less flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor). These fascinating birds are renowned for their long legs, webbed feet, and various shades of pink feathers.
Among them, the American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) stands out with its large size and vibrant pink coloration.
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