PERU'S NAZCA LINES MAY DEPICT EXOTIC BIRDS FROM FAR AWAY REGIONS, SCIENTISTS SAY [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

BY HANNAH OSBORNE ON 6/19/19 AT 7:01 PM EDT

Many of the birds represented in the Nazca Lines in southern Peru are exotic species, including hermits, pelicans and what appears to be a juvenile parrot, scientists have said. By studying the morphology of 16 of the geoglyphs, researchers say many of the birds depicted should be re-classified—and that having a better understanding of what the species are will provide a better understanding of the lines and what they were created for.

In a study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, researchers say the Nazca Lines represent "one of the most attractive ancient mysteries in the world." They were created between the fourth century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. Over 2,500 have been identified, with many different objects represented. Many of these pertain to plants and animals—with birds featuring heavily in the latter category.

Previously, scientists analyzing the lines identified several different species of bird. These include hummingbirds, a duck, a flamingo, a guano bird and a mockingbird. However, these studies generally assigned species based on a few traits.

In the latest research, a multidisciplinary team analyzed the morphology of the Nazca birds and compared them with different species in Peru.

More:
https://www.newsweek.com/nazca-lines-exotic-birds-peru-1444804?piano_t=1

Science:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/122864621