Science

Not a 'night owl' yet: Extraordinary bird fossil from Messel Pit suggests species still hunted by day

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Briefings

A 47-million-year-old owl fossil from the Messel Pit reveals that the species Masillastrix blattophaga was likely diurnal, contradicting the idea that owls became nocturnal early. The fossil's iridescent cockroach in its stomach and feather structure suggest it was active during daylight hours, with nocturnal behavior potentially evolving between 47 and 34 million years ago.

Key points

• The fossilized owl Masillastrix blattophaga was likely diurnal, evidenced by an iridescent cockroach in its stomach and feather structure.
• Nocturnal behavior in owls likely developed between 47 and 34 million years ago, not earlier.

Context

This fossil challenges the assumption that owls became nocturnal early in their evolutionary history. The discovery in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Messel Pit provides critical insights into avian nocturnal evolution.

Limitations

The evidence is limited to a single fossil specimen from the Messel Pit. The exact timing of nocturnal behavior evolution remains uncertain and is based on speculation from the study.

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