New figurines presented in the URMU

„The two new bird figurines found in this way resemble a relative of pheasants known as a ptarmigan (Lagopus sp.) — one resting, the other with wings outstretched and possibly soaring, both 2–3 cm long.“ Nature 655, 1120-1122 (2026)

Last Wednesday (July, 29 2026) Nicholas Conard and colleagues presented two new bird figurines from Hohle Fels at the URMU Blaubeuren (Museum für Urgeschichte und Eiszeitkunst). For the details, it’s best to hear directly from Nick. We collected some of the press reponses for you.

photo: S. Wolf

SWR Aktuell

Nature News Feature

Nature 655, 1120-1122 (2026)
doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-02312-y

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02312-y

Nick in the Tagesschau (German language)

Press release of the University of Tübingen

https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/university/news-and-publications/press-releases/press-releases/article/two-bird-figurines-found-in-world-heritage-site-of-hohle-fels-are-declared-find-of-the-year/