Argentavis resembled a small biplane when airborne, with a wingspan that measured approximately 7m across. It was incredibly heavy too; tipping the scales at 72kg it was at least 54kg heavier than the heaviest flying bird today, the kori bustard.
Still, Argentavis isn’t the heaviest flying bird on this list – but more on that particular behemoth later.
Argentavis lived in what is now Argentina during the Late Miocene (9-6.8 Mya), and would soar over the area’s mountains and plains as it searched for fresh carcasses, just like its modern analogue the Andean condor does in the same part of the world today.
It actually looked quite similar to a condor, although its skull and beak were a lot more robust.
By studying the size and structure of Argentavis’ wings, researchers have come to the conclusion that it flew by soaring, using flapping flight only in short bursts.
It’s also thought it would have used cliffs and slopes as launchpads, taking a short run-up before jumping and spreading its wings.
Having such large wings would have made it difficult for Argentavis to move around on the ground, which suggests it was more likely a scavenger than a predator.
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