My teacher told us about this bird in Papua New Guinea that was realy big and dangerous. The bird had deadly claws and could easily kill. The bird was seen as a threat by the Portugese and quickly killed out. I know its a bad description but can any tell me the birds name?
2007-11-13 15:47:36 · 4 answers · asked by Snowman6317 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
The largest birds to go extinct recently were the moas of New Zealand and the elephant bird of Madagascar. The elephant bird became extinct in the 16th century but eggs are still found. The cassowary, which is found in New Guinea and northeast Australia, is quite capable of killing and does so by disembowelling with a kick. It has big claws and strong legs.
2007-11-13 16:20:44 · answer #1 · answered by tentofield 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry. I know which you are talking about and it is right on the tip of my tongue. I know it was related to emus, ostriches, dodos, and cassowaries. The exact name isn't coming to mind. If I remember, I'll add it as soon as I can.
EDIT: It most definitely not a quetzal. They are still in existence and live in South and Central America. The bird you are referring to was flightless, while the quetzal is closer to a parrot and can fly perfectly fine. The quetzal is also rather small in comparison.
2007-11-13 23:58:52 · answer #2 · answered by Duke Paul-Muad'Dib Atreides 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only big bird would have been one of the mao. One species was about 6 foot tall. However, none of them were dangerous. The Portuguese have the distinct honor of being responsible for the extinction of the dodo. It was a big bird with claws, but not dangerous. It was killed off for food.
2007-11-14 00:10:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you are talking about a "quetzal" - Here is a picture:
http://www.rpphoto.com/gallery/view.asp?...
2007-11-13 23:56:51 · answer #4 · answered by SIMONE 5 · 0⤊ 5⤋