Cenozoic fossil parrot found in Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark -- Scientists have discovered that what is now Denmark was once home to a parrot species with a wingspan of almost 20 feet.

The fossil remains of the big bird were discovered in northwestern Jutland near Mors, the Copenhagen Post reported Tuesday. The fossil dates from about 55 million years ago during the Cenozoic Era.

The find is the farthest north a parrot species has been discovered so far and also the earliest specimen of the genus Mopsitta.

The finders nicknamed the parrot, which has long been an ex-parrot, "Danish blue" in tribute to the Norwegian Blue of the Monty Python sketch.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.