Unlike skimmers and other modern birds, however, T. sethi's massive crest and less flexible neck would have prevented it from submerging its entire head when skimming, limiting its food supply to the animals at the very surface of the water.
But because of its large wingspan, T. sethi would have been able to glide over longer distances and flap its wings less frequently than modern birds, the scientists suggested. This would have allowed it to stay close to the surface of the water for longer periods of time.
Kellner and de Almedia Campos Campos are also at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Recent National Geographic News stories on dinosaurs:
Fossil of Dog-Size Horned Dinosaur Unearthed in China
Tyrannosaurus rex Was a Slowpoke
Researchers Rethink Dinosaur Die Off Scenario
Researchers Melt Polar Dinosaur Mysteries
Scientist's Finds Spur New Thinking on Dino Evolution
Dino-Era Vomit Fossil Found in England
Study Paints New Picture of Dinosaur's Nose
Skeleton of New Dinosaur "Titan" Found in Madagascar
"Tidal Giant" Roamed Coastal Swamps of Ancient Africa
"Feathered" Fossil Bolsters Changing Image of Dinosaurs
Oddly Angled Teeth Make Masiakasaurus Stick Out
Additional dinosaur resources from National Geographic:
Paul Sereno: National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and Dinosaur Hunter
Destinations: Dinosaur National Monument
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