Re: Forelimbs of "Terror Birds"

["Jaime A. Headden" <qilongia@yahoo.com>]

Art Sippo (ArtSippo@aol.com) wrote:

<The premier of WWPB last night showed a Diatryma like bird with wings bent 
backward on the
chest. My understanding is that new findings suggest the fore limbs in these 
birds had digits with
claws that projected forward like those of carnosaurs.  Which is the 
predominant opinion at this
time?>

  The bird in question was *Gastornis* -- *Diatryma* does not exist anymore, 
they are essentially
the same bird, but the proper name is *Gastornis* -- which is not a terror 
bird, but more like a
duck in any respect (besides the beak ... just ignore the beak :).  The only 
terror bird known for
its forelimbs in the infamous *Titanis* from the southeastern USA (Texas to 
Alabama to Florida, I
believe), which have the forward-locking wrist, preventing much carpal "swing" 
at the wrist.

  And did anyone notice the homage to WWD -- part one -- with the 
"scent-marking" *Smilodon* in
the South American episode? :)  Of all the animals, I think they could have 
done those better,
but I felt everything was incredible but for two things ... the knuckle-walking 
chalicotheres
(Sorry, not possible ... eeek!) and the too-digital australopithecines ... who 
kept getting names!
The phorusrhacid, for those who missed it, had normal, tiny psilopterid-like 
wings. All prettied
up and colored to look like a secretary bird.

  Sorry for the rant...

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