Scientists recently discovered the fossilised remains of a giant “terror bird" in South America’s Tatacoa Desert which has shifted focus on the formidable predator from the Phorusrhacid family.

In the new study, it was found that these giant meat-eating Phorusrhacid birds, also known as “terror birds”, were among the most impressive predators who ever roamed on the Earth.

As per the researchers, these flightless birds existed from 60 million to 2 million years ago in South America.

These birds were up to 10 feet tall and had massive and hooked beaks. The legs were really strong and good for running. The environment was dominated by terror birds as they hunted small and mid-sized animals.

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The birds were able to sprint at high speeds and chase their prey while using their powerful beaks to deliver lethal strikes.&nbsp;

According to some scientists, the birds sometimes also hunted in packs. They ruled for millions of years and filled the gaps which were left by the extinction of the dinosaurs.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's what a 'leg bone' tells about 'terror birds'</h2>

The leg bone, which was a relic from the Miocene epoch that was dating back around 12 million years, held the secrets of these ancient birds.&nbsp;

Associate professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Dr Siobhan Cooke said that the bone's size indicated that this terror bird may be the largest known ancient bird among its species. It was said that the bird was approximately 5 to 20 per cent larger in comparison to Phorusrhacids.

In the bone, the researchers found deep pits, which are peculiar to Phorusrhacids and teeth marks which belonged to a prehistoric caiman, Purussaurus.

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“We suspect that the terror bird would have died as a result of its injuries given the size of crocodilians 12 million years ago,” explained Dr Cooke.

According to researchers, the modern long-legged bird native to South America, seriema, was a distant relative of Phorusrhacids.

“It’s a different kind of ecosystem than we see today or in other parts of the world during a period before South and North America were connected,” said Dr Cooke.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists recently discovered the fossilised remains of a giant “terror bird" in South America’s Tatacoa Desert which has shifted focus on the formidable predator from the Phorusrhacid family.

Scientists recently discovered the fossilised remains of a giant “terror bird" in South America’s Tatacoa Desert which has shifted focus on the formidable predator from the Phorusrhacid family. In the new study, it was found that these giant meat-eating Phorusrhacid birds, also known as “terror birds”, were among the most impressive predators who ever roamed on the Earth. As per the researchers, these flightless birds existed from 60 million to 2 million years ago in South America. These birds were up to 10 feet tall and had massive and hooked beaks. The legs were really strong and good for running. The environment was dominated by terror birds as they hunted small and mid-sized animals. Also Read: In a historic first, baby of highly endangered Great Indian Bustard born by artificial insemination The birds were able to sprint at high speeds and chase their prey while using their powerful beaks to deliver lethal strikes. According to some scientists, the birds sometimes also hunted in packs. They ruled for millions of years and filled the gaps which were left by the extinction of the dinosaurs. Here's what a 'leg bone' tells about 'terror birds' The leg bone, which was a relic from the Miocene epoch that was dating back around 12 million years, held the secrets of these ancient birds. Associate professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Dr Siobhan Cooke said that the bone's size indicated that this terror bird may be the largest known ancient bird among its species. It was said that the bird was approximately 5 to 20 per cent larger in comparison to Phorusrhacids. In the bone, the researchers found deep pits, which are peculiar to Phorusrhacids and teeth marks which belonged to a prehistoric caiman, Purussaurus. Watch: Canada Reports First Case Of Bird Flu In A Human “We suspect that the terror bird would have died as a result of its injuries given the size of crocodilians 12 million years ago,” explained Dr Cooke. According to researchers, the modern long-legged bird native to South America, seriema, was a distant relative of Phorusrhacids. “It’s a different kind of ecosystem than we see today or in other parts of the world during a period before South and North America were connected,” said Dr Cooke. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth hosted 'terror birds' who ate meat and ruled the planet ages ago

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