Boogeymen: The Thunderbird

[Michigan Swamp Buck]

Teratornis merriami
Definition of Teratornis merriami

Teratornis merriami
Noun

A large, now extinct, bird of prey from North America. 

Source: "Teratorn." Prehistoric-Flor-N'-Fauna.com. Prehistoric Flor N' Fauna Glossary, n.d. Web 30 May. 2016

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Introduction
The Teratorn is among the largest birds of prey in all of North America. With its large wingspan and active predatory behavior, it became among the most successful avian's of its time. 

Appearance
The Teratorn was once believed to have been condor-like in appearance, with similar features to the skeletal structure of a California Condor. The Teratorn has a 12 foot wing span, making it one of the largest bird of prey in all of North America. 

Wing span
Teraronis merriami has a 12 foot wingspan. The wingspan of teratornithidae in South America dwarf the wingspan of Merriam's Teratorn. Such is the case with Argentavis magnificens, and its 23 foot wingspan. 

Hunting behavior
Similarities between the skeletal structure of Teratronis merriami and the California Condor originally led one to believe that it primarily fed on carrion. New evidence now suggest that it didn't scavenge, but instead fed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Merriams Teratorn was indeed an active hunter, stalking its prey cautiously on the ground.

https://sites.google.com/site/prehistori...s-merriami



The teratorns died off around 11,000 years ago when the glaciers receeded, or did they?

Below, golden eagle in flight.