Prehistoric Earth: A Natural History Wiki
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A familiar sight on the coasts of the Cretaceous. These birds are called Hesperornis. They're so vociferous, it's defining being right in the middle of a colony. They're flightless, like penguins, but they're far from as cute.
— Allen Johnson, about Hesperornis
in Death of a Dynasty: To Hell... And Back

Hesperornis (name meaning "Western Bird") is a genus of cormorant-like flightless bird that originated during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now North America. Measuring 2 meters long and due to its design, it was cumbersome on land but was a fabulous swimmer.

In the Series 2 finale "Death of a Dynasty: To Hell... And Back", a large colony of Hesperornis were brought to the park from Late Cretaceous Montana, 65 million years ago. They reside in the Primeval Aquarium Enclosure.

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Hesperornis at AMNH

Hesperornis skeleton

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Trivia[]

  • The sound effects of Hesperornis are that of donkey, seal/sea lion, and vulture.
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