Titanis walleri lived during the Pleistocene in North and South America and belonged to a group of birds known as the "phororrhacids," characterized by their large size, flightless wings, and strong legs adapted for running. This bird of terror reached impressive heights, with estimates suggesting that it could exceed 2.5 meters in height and weigh around 150 kg. Its wings were small compared to its robust body and lower limbs, indicating that it did not have the ability to fly.
The skull of Titanis walleri was large and robust, with a strong beak and no teeth. Its eyes were high in its skull, giving it panoramic vision useful for hunting. The lower limbs were adapted for running, suggesting that it was an agile and fast terrestrial predator.
Titanis walleri is thought to have inhabited a variety of habitats, from plains to forested areas, and its diet probably consisted of a mix of small and medium-sized animals. Although it could not fly, its ability to run at high speeds allowed it to chase and capture prey.
The extinction of Titanis walleri and other phororrhacids occurred at the end of the Pleistocene, along with the disappearance of many other megafauna. The exact cause of their extinction is not completely clear and could have been related to climate changes, competition with carnivorous mammals, or a combination of factors.
Approximate measurements of the Titanis:
The skull of Titanis walleri was large and robust, with a strong beak and no teeth. Its eyes were high in its skull, giving it panoramic vision useful for hunting. The lower limbs were adapted for running, suggesting that it was an agile and fast terrestrial predator.
Titanis walleri is thought to have inhabited a variety of habitats, from plains to forested areas, and its diet probably consisted of a mix of small and medium-sized animals. Although it could not fly, its ability to run at high speeds allowed it to chase and capture prey.
The extinction of Titanis walleri and other phororrhacids occurred at the end of the Pleistocene, along with the disappearance of many other megafauna. The exact cause of their extinction is not completely clear and could have been related to climate changes, competition with carnivorous mammals, or a combination of factors.
Approximate measurements of the Titanis:
- Scale 1:35 - 73 x 79 mm H
- Scale 1:20 - 123 x 134 mm H
