Re: large fossil birds

[Patrick Norton <ptnorton@suscom-maine.net>]

From: "Tim Williams" <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>

> If we define 'bird' as any member of the clade Avialae, then I think 
> _Dromornis_ is still the 'largest' ground-dwelling bird that ever lived.>

The heaviest perhaps, at least so far reported. "Largest" is still a 
subjective descriptor.

> As you say, in the context of avian dimensions, "largest" could mean 
> "heaviest", "tallest" or even "broadest wingspan".>

Agreed.

> But on all three accounts, I don't think we'll find any Mesozoic bird 
> that's heavier than _Dromornis_ <

And why not? What's so magical about the 500 kg limit for a ground dwelling 
bird?

> or has a broader wingspan than _Argentavis_.>

I might agree with this, since A. magnificens is probably about as large a a 
feathered flapping vertebrate flyer can get.

PTN