Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world.

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. A peculiar fossil ...

Why it's awesome: The hoatzin is often regarded as one of the world's strangest birds. Hatchlings are born with clawed wings — a rare, prehistoric trait — and adults give off a strong, unpleasant ...

A study of a bizarre prehistoric bird's fossilized remains has uncovered fascinating new details regarding its behavior. Living around 120 million years ago, the species, Longipteryx chaoyangensis, is ...

'Rare' ancestor reveals how huge flightless birds made it to faraway lands Rare blue-and-green hybrid jay spotted in Texas is offspring of birds whose lineages split 7 million years ago Paralvinella ...

A peculiar fossil has helped scientists discover an unusual bird that lived among the dinosaurs 120 million years ago, and the find is changing the way researchers think about avian evolution. The ...