Story: Penguins

Extinct penguin reconstruction

Extinct penguin reconstruction

This artist’s reconstruction of two early Palaeeudyptes-like penguins shows tall birds with longer bills than modern penguins. It is based on fossils from 26 to 28 million years ago. Palaeeudyptes means ‘ancient winged diver’. In the centre is a dolphin from the same period.

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Geology Museum, University of Otago
Artwork by Chris Gaskin

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How to cite this page:

Lloyd Spencer Davis, 'Penguins - The penguin history of New Zealand', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6397/extinct-penguin-reconstruction (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Lloyd Spencer Davis, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 11 Jul 2016