| As birds evolved, some became more similar to modern birds, while some went along evolutionary dead ends. These included Diatryma, a flightless bird that lived in the Paleocene and Eocene periods. Remains of Diatryma have been found in both Europe and North America. Around 7ft in height, this fearsome bird is thought to have been a carnivore capable of eating quite large animals. |
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Phorusrhacos or 'rag bearer' was a giant 5ft high flightless bird of the Miocene period. It had a massive beak and may have preyed on herbivorous mammals in South America where its remain were found.
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Teratornis or 'monster bird' was a Pleistocene bird, and this may be the largest bird of all time. With a wingspan of over 23ft, Teratornis fed on carrion and was probably similar to a condor in appearance. The remains of Teratornis have been found in the La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles, California, where the animal was presumably trapped when it came down to feed. |
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