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Lot 1069

Messelornis Fossil Bird

27 May 2010, 13:00 EDT
New York

Sold for US$3,965 inc. premium

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Messelornis Fossil Bird

Messelornis cristata
Eocene
Messel, Germany

During the Eocene, a large lake existed in the area now famous as the Messel Shales in Germany. Only adult Messelornis fossils have been discovered at this site, indicating that the species may have laid its eggs a good distance from the lake, perhaps visiting the edge of the lake only to feed on fish and crustaceans, which were the likely components of its diet. The present nicely articulated specimen is embedded in resin, as are all fossils from the Messel pits; the material was poured over the specimen in situ so that the bones could be removed in the same configuration in which they were found. Measures 11 x 8in; Specimen measures 6in

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