Unique skull found by river, Anybody recognize?

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In summary, a person found a unique skull by the Connecticut river and was looking for help identifying it. However, due to the limited information and pictures provided, it was difficult to determine what type of animal the skull belonged to. Some suggested it could be from a bird with a large sagittal crest, but none of the bird species mentioned seemed to be a perfect match. The person also shared additional pictures and asked for permission to share them with someone who might have more expertise in identifying the skull. Others suggested looking at a website with information on skulls, but even after browsing through it, no definitive answer could be given.
  • #1
BodhiCat
Unique skull found by river, Anybody recognize??

I live in western Ma and found this by the Connecticut river one day...I was wondering if anybody could tell me what it might be from
IMG_3633.jpg
 
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  • #2


your links are broken
 
  • #3


I fixed it. I have other pictures too if they may be helpful
 
  • #4


other pictures would be helpful, particularly from other angles. it is difficult to determine if it is a skull or another piece of bone from this image.

most skulls have opening other then the eye socket, and I don't immediately see that here.
 
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  • #5
  • #6


No idea! The large saggital crest suggests a critter with strong jaws.
 
  • #7


the upper jaw seems too small for a strong bite though.

Any qualms if I share these with someone who is more likely to have specimens to compare with?
 
  • #8


I think it's a bird, looks a lot like loon skull (without a beak). But that sagittal crest is HUGE. Loons are among the few birds that have sagittal crests, but that seems too much even for them.
 
  • #9


Both the Opossum and the Fisher have large sagittal crest, much like the photo.
 
  • #10


I don't know what an opossum skull looks like, but a fisher skull is rather short an very powerful with sturdy jaws and lots of teeth. This skull looks like it could belong to a bird with attached (non-integral) beaks. Still at a loss though.
 
  • #11


hypatia said:
Both the Opossum and the Fisher have large sagittal crest, much like the photo.

Wrong muzzle shape for both the opossum and the fisher, though. The narrowing above the eye socket (clearly seen in IMG_3634.jpg) would be consistent with having salt glands, indicating a marine bird.
 
  • #12


I am not aware of any mammals that have a pronounced crest like that. In mammals, a large sagittal crest is a sign of large chewing muscles, yet what looks like the upper jaw seems to small for that.

A hornbill has a large crest, but it is rather thick and heavy vs. the thin one here, and it is in front of the eyes, vs. behind.

[PLAIN]http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/8532/rhinoplaxvigils.jpg

A cassowary is another bird with a crest, but it too begins in front of the eyes and is a thick heavy crest.

[PLAIN]http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/6414/casuariscasuariss.jpg

Neither one of them is good match for this skull in my opinion.
 
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  • #13
found this, but not educated enough to make use of it

http://www.skullsite.com/index.htm
 
  • #14


After going through this site,
Code:
[PLAIN]http://www.skullsite.com/
,[/PLAIN] there are a few bird species that do have any sort of bony crest, but none seem to be a match to this skull.

edit: Proton Soup, your post wasn't there when I replied, but seems we're thinking somewhat the same.
 
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FAQ: Unique skull found by river, Anybody recognize?

1. What is the significance of this unique skull?

The significance of this unique skull lies in its potential to provide insights into the history and evolution of the species it belongs to. It could also shed light on the environment and habitat of the species, and any potential threats or challenges they may have faced.

2. How did the skull end up by the river?

It is difficult to determine how the skull ended up by the river without further information or evidence. It is possible that it was carried there by natural forces such as water currents or animals, or it could have been deposited there by humans.

3. Can the species of the skull be identified?

The species of the skull can potentially be identified through various methods such as DNA analysis, comparative anatomy, and consulting with experts in the field. However, it may require further research and examination to accurately determine the species.

4. How old is the skull?

Determining the age of the skull can be a challenging task, as it depends on various factors such as the preservation of the skull, the type of species it belongs to, and the type of dating methods used. It may require further analysis and testing to accurately determine its age.

5. Will this discovery lead to any new scientific findings?

It is possible that this unique skull could lead to new scientific findings, as it may provide important information about a previously unknown species or add to our understanding of a known species. Further research and analysis will be needed to fully comprehend the significance of this discovery.

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