Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Ancient Bird With Largest Wingspan Yet Discovered

Posted by samzenpus on from the we're-going-to-need-more-seed dept.

sciencehabit writes Fossils unearthed at a construction project in South Carolina belong to a bird with the largest wingspan ever known, according to a new study. The animal measured 6.4 meters from wingtip to wingtip, about the length of a 10-passenger limousine and approaching twice the size of the wandering albatross, today's wingspan record-holder. Like modern-day albatrosses, the newly described species would have been a soaring champ.

3 of 55 comments (clear)

  1. No wonder it went extinct by TWX · · Score: 5, Funny

    With that kind of size and that slow of flight, it's no wonder it fell to ancient flak guns. Too easy to hit!

    --
    Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
  2. Re:21 feet by Matheus · · Score: 4, Funny

    Unneeded... we are all well versed on the length of a 10-passenger limousine.

  3. Re:additional info by Charliemopps · · Score: 4, Funny

    I love armchair paleoclimatologists...

    I love armchair climatologists.

    I love everyone. Give me a hug.