Phorusrhacos
fossil bird genus
Also known as: Phororhacos
Quick Summary
Phorusrhacos was a genus of large, extinct, flightless predatory birds that lived in South America during the Miocene Epoch. These birds, sometimes called terror birds, stood about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and possessed weakly developed wings, strong legs, a large head, and a powerful beak. They are considered to be unrelated to the similarly adapted Diatryma found in North America and Europe. The name Phorusrhacos is derived from Greek words meaning "thief" and "rag".12
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