Giant bird was a glider
Argentavis soared rather than flapped over Argentina.
Scientists have modelled the flight of the world's largest flying bird — a 70-kilogram ancient avian behemoth with a 7-metre wingspan. The new models show that Argentavis magnificens, which was approximately the size of a modern-day Cessna 152 light aircraft, flew by gliding rather than by flapping its giant wings in the skies above Argentina 6 million years ago.
Comments
I wonder what was its glide ratio. I picture this huge bird soaring to great hights in thermals after initial climb in slope lifts or standing wave. And of course all this to survey a larger area for their food.
Posted by: sunderajan | July 2, 2007 11:07 PM
The article may create more questions than it answers.
At that size, it didn't ground hunt by stealth attack as owls do.
With the turning radius described, it doesn't seem likely it caught other birds in the air.
It's food requirements had to be massive.
What did it eat?
How did it catch dinner?
How much did it have to eat?
A final question out of cryptozoology, are we sure they are extinct? There are 20th century Thunderbird stories fitting this description, including child abductions.
Posted by: Fromz | July 4, 2007 02:20 PM