How big was the Largest Bird Species in history?

Prehistoric Earth featured the largest animals and birds, including the flightless Elephant bird from Madagascar

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Belonging to Aepyornithiformes, the Elephant bird was the largest bird species, with Aepyornis Maximus being the most massive.

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These birds could reach 10 feet in height and weigh up to 1,000 pounds, laying the largest eggs known for any amniote.

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The Elephant bird's closest living relative is the kiwi bird, found exclusively in New Zealand.

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Historical accounts from the 1640s and mid-19th century describe sightings of large birds and giant eggs in Madagascar.

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In 1851, French zoologist Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire was the first to scientifically describe the genus Aepyornis

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Fossils show they had conical beaks, short thick legs, and were likely slow-moving forest dwellers.

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Elephant bird eggs were larger than dinosaur eggs, pointing to their enormous size and unique biology.

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Extinction theories suggest human activities like hunting and deforestation led to their decline around 1,000 years ago.

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The exact impact of human actions on their extinction remains uncertain, with research ongoing.

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