Prehistoric Birds of Australia - Dromornithidae, Dromornis, Barawertornis, Bullockornis, Genyornis, Pengana, Ilbandornis, Emuarius, Pelagomis (Paperback)

Chapters: Dromornithidae, Dromornis, Barawertornis, Bullockornis, Genyornis, Pengana, Ilbandornis, Emuarius, Pelagomis. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 35. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: DromornisBarawertornisBullockornisIlbandornisGenyornis Dromornithidae the dromornithids were a family of large, flightless Australian birds of the Oligocene through Pleistocene epochs. All are now extinct. They were long classified in the order Struthioniformes, but are now usually classified as a family of Anseriformes. Their closest living relatives are waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Dromornithids were part of the Australian megafauna; one species Dromornis stirtoni was 3 metres tall and may have been the largest bird that ever lived. The collective term "Australian megafauna" is used to describe a number of comparatively large species of animals that lived in Australia from 50,000 to 20,000 years ago. The causes for the disappearance of these animals are under dispute (see "Extinction" below). It is also not clear to what degree dromornithids were carnivores. The massive, crushing beaks of some species suggest that at least some members of the family were a combination of carnivorous predators and scavengers (much like today's hyenas) or omnivores. Other features, such as the "hoof-like" feet, stomach structure, and eye structure that resulted in a wide field of vision but likely also created a centre blind spot of about forty degrees (which would hinder hunting significantly) suggest a more herbivorous, migratory lifestyle. The scientific name Dromornithidae derives from Greek dromaios ("swift-running") and ornis ("bird"). Additionally, the family has been called Thunder birds, giant emus, giant runners, demon ducks and Mihirungs. The latter word is derived from Chaap Wuurong (Tjapwurin...More: http: //booksllc.net/?id=276096