How the Heaviest Feathered Creature in Earth's History Flew

The article discusses Argentavis, a giant bird weighing up to 72 kg with a wingspan of about 7 meters, which lived 9–6.8 million years ago. It used mountain slopes for takeoff, soared in the air, and lived as a scavenger.

The article on Cursorinfo tells about Argentavis, a giant fossil bird that lived in what is now Argentina about 9–6.8 million years ago. It is the most massive feathered creature in Earth's history: its wingspan reached seven meters and its body mass about 72 kilograms, which is 54 kg heavier than the largest modern flying bird (the kori bustard). Due to its enormous weight, Argentavis could not take off like ordinary birds: it used mountain slopes and cliffs for a run-up, then jumped and spread its wings. In the air, it moved mainly by soaring, only occasionally flapping. On the ground it was clumsy, so it lived as a scavenger, spotting carcasses from above. The article is based on material from discoverwildlife and is of a popular science nature.