"Squawkzilla" giant parrot fossils found in Central Otago

The ancient remains of a giant parrot have been found in a fossil-rich area of Central Otago. The "truly gigantic parrot" dubbed Squawkzilla by the scientists who found it, was estimated to be up to a metre tall, weigh 7 kilograms, and have a beak capable of cracking open its prey - including other parrots. The discovery of Heracles inexpectatus - named for its Herculean myth-like size and strength, has made these scientists the world's first to find an extinct giant parrot. Professor Sue Hand from the University of New South Wales in Sydney is part of the discovery team, and told our reporter Tracy Neal it was a significant discovery.