![]() NPS Photo / Tim Rains ![]() Identification Level: Icnospecies Magnoavipes denaliensis, Ignotornis mcconnelli, and Aquatilavipes swiboldae have been identified to the species level of trace fossil (“ichnospecies”). This is a classification based on shape, form, and implied behavior as opposed to the specific organism that created the fossil. When attempting to identify the birds that made the tracks, they can only be called “crane-like”. ![]() Circular dimple marks found next to fossilized crane-like bird tracks suggest these birds probed the mud with their narrow bills to hunt for worms, larvae, and other invertebrates. Invertebrate fossil burrows found nearby also help to confirm these food sources How do we know I lived in Denali? Several hundred fossil bird tracks have been found in Denali and currently represent the northernmost bird tracks discovered from this time. Some tracks are even associated with dinosaur footprints. The variety of bird trace fossils found in Denali suggests that there was significant bird biodiversity in the northern polar region during Cretaceous times. ![]() Fun Fact
While studying a section of well-preserved fossilized birds tracks in Denali, paleontologist Tony Fiorillo noticed a set of tracks that were different from the rest. They were very large, and unique enough to qualify as a new prehistoric ichnospecies with the name Magnovipes denaliensis. |
Last updated: July 7, 2016