This news article is based on the Journal Article (Motta et al., 2026 ) from Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology and the Taylor and Francis Newsroom News Release.

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Introduction

A new heron-like, raptor-like dinosaur from ancient Patagonia is helping fill in a major gap in the South American fossil record. Named Kank australis, this small predator lived about 70 million years ago during the Maastrichtian Stage of the Late Cretaceous and belonged to a group of southern hemisphere raptor relatives known as unenlagiids. Though known from only a handful of fossils, including vertebrae, toe bones, and teeth, its remains reveal a distinct species that expands our understanding of dinosaur evolution in southern South America (Motta et al., 2026).

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A Fish-Eating Raptor

Unlike the famous image of raptors as fast-moving land predators, Kank may have spent much of its time hunting near rivers and ponds. The fossils were found in sediments deposited by meandering waterways surrounded by a temperate, humid environment rich in fish, insects, mollusks, and aquatic plants.

Researchers were especially intrigued by the dinosaur's neck vertebrae. These bones contain features associated with strong neck muscles and blood vessel protection, characteristics also seen in modern birds that make rapid, precise neck movements. Combined with its long snout and numerous teeth, the anatomy suggests that Kank may have been adapted for catching fish in a manner similar to today's herons.

The researchers believe Kank australis likely:

• Hunted fish in rivers, streams, and seasonal ponds.
• Used its flexible neck for quick strikes at prey.
• Shared several feeding adaptations with modern fishing birds.
• Occasionally preyed upon other small animals in its ecosystem.

Fish fossils found alongside the dinosaur's remains provide additional support for a fish-heavy diet.

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An Important Discovery for Patagonia

The discovery is significant because unenlagiids are well known from northern Patagonia, but fossils from southern Patagonia have been rare and difficult to identify. Kank australis is the first named unenlagiid species from the Maastrichtian-aged Chorrillo Formation of Santa Cruz Province and helps connect dinosaur populations known from northern Patagonia and Antarctica.

Based on comparisons with related species, adults likely reached 2.5–3 meters (8–10 feet) in length. This made Kank considerably smaller and more lightly built than the giant unenlagiid Austroraptor, which could grow to roughly 5 meters (16 feet) long.

The fossils also show unique features not seen in other unenlagiids, including highly pneumatic neck vertebrae containing internal air chambers and unusual toe bones. These differences suggest that unenlagiids evolved a greater variety of body forms and lifestyles than previously recognized.

The genus name Kank comes from Aonikenk mythology and refers to a giant rhea whose footprints formed the constellation known as the Southern Cross. Researchers hope that future discoveries from the Chorrillo Formation will uncover additional fossils and provide a clearer picture of how this unusual fish-hunting dinosaur lived. Check out the video below:

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Video: Animation of Kank australis by Gabriel Diaz Yanten

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Journal Article:

Motta, M. J., Aranciaga Rolando, A. M., Rozadilla, S., Agnolin, F. L., Egli, F. B., Alvarez Herrera, G. P., ... Novas, F. E. (2026). New unenlagiid from the Chorrillo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian), SW Patagonia, Argentina. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 10.1080/02724634.2026.2656456.

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Recommended Dinosaur Books and Educational Items:

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High quality Dinosaur teeth by Fossilera

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