Archaeologists in southwestern Germany have unearthed two miniature bird figurines carved from mammoth ivory, among the smallest and most delicate examples of Ice Age art ever found. The two ancient figurines, roughly 2 cm (0.8 inches) long and weighing about a gram each, were found in 2025 in the Aurignacian layers of Hohle Fels Cave. The objects’ naturalistic detail points to a ptarmigan as the likely model for the brooding bird, with the second figure possibly a ptarmigan, grouse or bird of prey. “The carvings are not highly stylized but instead include many specific and unique features,” Professor Conard said. “Here the artist has recorded detailed observations that allow us to consider which kind of bird is represented and what the bird could be doing.”