Despite their massive size, this bird can still soar through the sky, unlike the ostrich. Notably, they possess exceptional hunting abilities, making them a nightmare for many other species.
In the present world, the ostrich is one of the largest living creatures, and it is also the largest bird. However, due to its size, the ostrich can only operate on the ground and cannot take flight. Yet, the ostrich is not the largest bird known to humanity. That title belongs to the Argentavis magnificens, or the Giant Eagle of Argentina, which unfortunately has been extinct for a long time.
The Giant Eagle of Argentina is the largest bird known to humanity. (Illustrative image).
They are known to be creatures that existed in ancient times, standing over 2 meters tall, weighing around 70 kilograms, with a wingspan of about 14 meters. When they spread their wings and take to the sky, the Giant Eagle of Argentina creates an awe-inspiring sight. Although they are many times larger than ostriches, the wings of the Giant Eagle are incredibly strong. Therefore, they can fly with ease without encountering any obstacles.
The Giant Eagle is a bird that lays eggs and incubates them until they hatch. Due to their enormous size, female Giant Eagles typically lay eggs only once every two years. Their eggs are certainly not small, weighing at least over 1 kilogram. Each nesting usually produces only 1 to 2 eggs.
Paleontological studies indicate that the lifespan of the Giant Eagle of Argentina is comparable to that of modern humans, reaching over 70 years, and even exceeding 90 years. It takes a significant amount of time for them to incubate their eggs and for the chicks to hatch. Both the male and female eagles are incredibly patient and care for their young until they are capable of living independently. At this point, the young Giant Eagle will freely soar through the skies.
Interestingly, the Giant Eagle of Argentina has formidable hunting capabilities. Once they have their sights set on a target, they immediately dive at incredible speeds, lifting their prey into the air. It seems that if you fall into this bird’s “crosshairs,” the chances of survival are very low.
