Flinders University

tags: Paleontology, birds, Genyornis newtoni, rock art, aboriginal peoples, Archaeology, Australia, Niwarla Gabarnmung, Arnhem Land, Flinders University Australia's oldest painting? A red ochre rock art depiction of two emu-like birds (Genyornis newtoni?) with their necks outstretched. Image: Ben Gunn [larger view] An Australian Aboriginal rock art may depict a giant bird that is thought to have become extinct some 40,000 years ago, thereby making it the oldest rock painting on the island continent. The red ochre drawing was first discovered two years ago, but archaeologists were only…