![]() “It’s often been noted how few large land predators Australia had back then, so Dynatoaetus helps fill that gap.”ĭynatoaetus and the recently described Cryptogyps are new genera of raptors unique to Australia, respectively eagle- and vulture-like, that existed until around 50 thousand years ago, Dr Mather says. “We were very excited to find many more bones from much of the skeleton to create a better picture and description of these magnificent long-lost giant extinct birds,” says Dr Mather, who collaborated with experienced palaeo-ornithologist Associate Professor Trevor Worthy on the expedition. “After half a century, and several delays caused by the pandemic, the expedition with volunteers from the University’s Speleological Society found a further 28 bones scattered about deep among the boulders at the site indicated by one of these museum relics. The Flinders University fossil hunters pieced together its story, naming the giant bird Dynatoaetus gaffae (Gaff’s powerful eagle), after extensive new research of fossil cave remains in South Australia’s Mairs Cave in the Flinders Ranges connected the dots to other bones previously found in the Naracoorte Caves, Wellington Caves and near Cooper Creek in the Lake Eyre Basin.įlinders University palaeontology researcher Dr Ellen Mather organised a field trip to the Flinders Ranges in late 2021 to revisit the location of four large fossil bones collected by cavers back in 19 Yet it has taken decades for it to be officially ‘discovered’ and described in the latest Journal of Ornithology. It was the largest bird of prey to ever live on the continent, and probably the largest continental eagle globally, according to new research from Flinders University.Ĭlosely related to Old World vultures of Africa and Asia and the critically endangered monkey-eating or Philippine Eagle, the Flinders palaeontology researchers say the now extinct raptor with a mighty wingspan and powerful talons was the top avian predator in the late Pleistocene. Want more nature news? Discover more about the nature you love.Newswise - An eagle twice the size of the modern-day apex predator the wedge-tailed eagle, which soared over southern Australia more than 60,000 years ago, had a wingspan up to 3m wide and powerful talons wide enough to grab a small kangaroo or koala. If you want to learn more about the other types of raptors in Canada, be sure to check out our Raptors and Owls e-Book!Īcknowledgements: Hinterland Who’s Who Bald Eagle, Canadian Geographic and Defenders of Wildlife. Of all the birds in North America, the Bald Eagle builds the largest nest.Bald Eagles are the largest birds of prey in Canada.If a Bald Eagle loses a feather on one wing, it will shed it on the other as well in order to maintain its balance.This term stems from the root word “piebald” which means spotty, a more accurate description of the bird. Bald Eagles perform a special courtship dance in the sky!.Though this species has experienced some rough patches, the Bald Eagle population in Canada is currently stable. In order to prevent extensive human intervention, laws have been put in place to protect this species. The use of pesticides has also had a significant impact on the Bald Eagle population as it contaminates their food supply. Human intervention such as the cutting of trees results in a loss of habitat, which has a negative impact on reproduction. Humans are arguably one of the main causes of the decline in the Bald Eagle population. Though this bird does not have to fear other wildlife as threats to its well being, it does have another threat. The Bald Eagle is a predator that holds a firm position at the top of the food chain. ![]() The average Bald Eagle can see 4 to 7 times better than a human. ![]() Bald Eagles also have excellent vision, which is why the phrase “eagle eye” is no joke. In terms of eating habits, it subsists on a diet of fish, carrion, rodents and other birds. The wingspan of this species of bird is over two feet on average! Equipped with sharp talons, a hooked beak and large, spiked feet, the Bald Eagle’s body is perfect for hunting. The average female Bald Eagle weighs anywhere from 4.5 to 6.8 kg while the average male weighs from 2.7 to 4 kg. In terms of habitats, Bald Eagles favour forests near large bodies of water as this type of location provides a resting place and is close to their prey. ![]() In Canada, British Columbia tends to have the largest concentration of this species and this province seems to be a prime location for these birds to breed and nest during the winter. The majestic Bald Eagle is unique to North America. ![]()
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