Today, this not-so-distant relative of Velociraptor is recognized as one more fascinating fossil organism in the unbroken line between one group of dinosaurs and modern birds. While flight is a defining characteristic of most birds, not all species take to the air. From penguins to cassowaries, the world today is still replete with flightless birds.
In Dinosaurs Among Us, you can see a the fossilized skull of Gastornis gigantea, a flightless bird that lived about 50 million years ago and would have stood taller than a full-grown human.
Big Bird
This giant, flightless bird would have been an intimidating specimen in its days, likely standing more than six feet high. That would have made it significantly larger than its relative Velociraptor, pictured above.
Dietary Debate
For a long time, paleontologists thought Gastornis gigantea was a carnivore that hunted small animals. Scientists now think this extinct avian was actually a vegetarian related to ducks and geese.
Starting Small
All birds alive today—even ostriches, emus, and other hefty running birds—evolved from smaller, flying birds. The same goes for Gastornis gigantea, even if it’s hard to picture such a large animal developing from such miniscule origins.