Fossil of ancient duck-like creature discovered

Scientists in Antarctica claim they have may have discovered the oldest modern bird ever found.

The fossil which is a nearly complete skull is believed to be 69-million-years old and belonged to a species called Vegavis iaai.

Vegavis iaai is a waterfowl species that is thought to be the ancient relative of modern-day ducks and geese.

The discovery could shed light on early bird evolution.

The species is thought to be the ancient relative of modern-day ducks and geese

The fossil was found during an expedition in Antarctica in 2011, but has only now been analysed.

Scientists found that the fossilised skulls features were similar to birds that exist today rather than other pre-modern birds that existed during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods (201.3 million to 66 million years ago).

Dr Patrick O'Connor, a co-author of the research said "This fossil will tell us a lot about the earliest stages of the evolution of modern birds in Antarctica."