Historic Cryptid Headline: November 1, 1887 - Half Bird, Half Fish

Fort Worth Daily Gazette

November 1, 1887

“Half Bird, Half Fish”

Count Joachim Pfell, the German African explorer, gives the following account of a mysterious creature seen on the coast of the Ulanga district: “We often saw an animal in the water which we first believed to be a serpent, from its movements, and from the fact that only now and then it appeared on the surface for a few seconds. Once, when we shot at it we were surprised to see it rise out of the water and fly away. Afterward we succeeded in obtaining one of the curious creatures. It was about the size of a large tame duck, with black plumage and a metallic luster. On its wings we noticed a few very light yellow feathers. The neck was very long and thin and ended in a long, pointed beak, at the edge of which were two rows of sharp teeth. At first sight no head was visible, and the neck appeared to end only in a beak. The whole body of the bird is under water while swimming, only the long neck being seen. If it was frightened it disappeared altogether under the water, or flew rapidly away. Another peculiarity we noticed was that when the bird had left the water it lay down on a bush with outstretched wings to get dry. The flesh of this creature has an unpleasant oily flavor.”

“Historic Cryptid Headlines” showcases actual articles involving cryptids that were published within United States newspapers back in the 1800’s-1900’s. The articles posted here are written exactly as they appeared during their original publishing date.

-The Pine Barrens Institute

---