A penguin that stood taller than most men waddled across the southern hemisphere millions of years ago, scientists say.
Argentine experts have discovered the fossils of a 6ft 6in (2m) tall penguin that lived in prehistoric Antarctica 34million years ago.
Paleontologists with the Natural Sciences Museum of La Plata province, near the capital Buenos Aires, said the remains were found on the icy southern continent.
'This is the largest penguin known to date in terms of height and body mass,' said researcher Carolina Acosta.
The modern day record is held by emperor penguins, which reach heights of about 3ft 11in.
The previous record for the tallest prehistoric penguins had been held by a five foot tall bird discovered in Peru two years ago and nicknamed the Water King.
The Water King, which lived more than 36million years ago, was found by a Peruvian student in the Paracas Reserve on Peru's eastern coastline.
Previous finds from prehistoric penguins indicated they did not sport the iconic black and white feathers the birds are known for today, but had reddish-brown and grey plumage.
Originally posted by Skywatcher2011
Previous finds from prehistoric penguins indicated they did not sport the iconic black and white feathers the birds are known for today, but had reddish-brown and grey plumage.
