Waimanu (Waimanu manneringi) is thought to be among the largest penguins to have inhabited this planet. It lived during the Paleocene period. The fossils were discovered in the Basal Waipara Greensand in New Zealand and are currently used to understand the evolution of birds. Waimanu was primitive, having long narrow beaks with slit-like nostrils, shorter and stubby feet, while the shape of the limb bone ensured an upright posture. Its bones were less flattened compared to modern penguins and legs larger than modern penguins. However, the head looked more like a cormorant than a penguin, and it could fold its wings.
Waimanus had an overall height between 25”-39” (65-100 cm) and body width of 6.3”-10.2” (16-26 cm). The typical weight of the Waimanu was in the range of 22-66 lb (10-30 kg).
Waimanu (Waimanu manneringi) is thought to be among the largest penguins to have inhabited this planet. It lived during the Paleocene period. The fossils were discovered in the Basal Waipara Greensand in New Zealand and are currently used to understand the evolution of birds. Waimanu was primitive, having long narrow beaks with slit-like nostrils, shorter and stubby feet, while the shape of the limb bone ensured an upright posture. Its bones were less flattened compared to modern penguins and legs larger than modern penguins. However, the head looked more like a cormorant than a penguin, and it could fold its wings.
Waimanus had an overall height between 25”-39” (65-100 cm) and body width of 6.3”-10.2” (16-26 cm). The typical weight of the Waimanu was in the range of 22-66 lb (10-30 kg).