Argentavis magnificens

[Smokey]

Argentavis magnificens (literally "Magnificent Silver Bird") is the largest flying bird ever discovered.

Sometimes called the Giant Teratorn, is an extinct species known from (as of 2006) three sites from the late Miocene (12-5 million years before present) of Central and Northwestern Argentina, South America, where a good sample of fossils has been obtained.

Physical characteristics

Currently accepted estimates:

* Wingspan: 5.7 to 8.3 m (19 - 28 ft)
* Wing area: nearly 7 square m (75 square ft)
* Wing loading: c. 11,5 kg/square m
* Length: 3.5 m
* Height: 1.8 to 2 m
* Weight: 65-100 kg


Argentavis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g6/redstart/teratorn.jpg
http://www.esencia21.com/CRIPTO/Aves2/thunderbird-argentavis-draw.jpg

 

[Clave]

That is one big bird!

 

[Matt308]

Holy crap. So that is the Thunderbird of lore. Always wondered about that.

 

[DOUGRD]

28 FT. wingspan...AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! I'd hate to be lower on the food chain than that thing!

 

[Gnomey]

Looking at the first picture I would say we probably were lower than it in the foodchain. Not something I would like to see/meet whilst out and about (unless from a distance)...

 

[FLYBOYJ]

I wonder if it taste like chicken?

 

[DOUGRD]

Looking at the first picture I would say we probably were lower than it in the foodchain. Not something I would like to see/meet whilst out and about (unless from a distance)...

You just had to go and say that..

 

[Gnomey]

You just had to go and say that..

Yep

 

[Njaco]

In relation to what I do for a living, glad that things not still around!

 

[Cyrano]