50lb Goose!


50lb Goose!
As if its size weren’t impressive enough, Garganornis also had weaponized wings. Close examination of the goose’s wrist bones revealed a small outgrowth – a “carpal knob.” These are actually surprisingly common among birds, from ducks to pigeons to jacanas; some have small knobs, other large knobs, and some have even developed elaborate spikes or spurs. These structures typically serve to add some extra oomph to a combative wing-slap.

via Jennifer Ouellette.
http://blogs.plos.org/blog/2017/01/25/meet-garganornis-the-giant-flightless-weapon-winged-goose-from-ancient-italy/

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