Teratornis Merriami Bird Skull Replica

Description

Teratornis Merriami bird skull replica measures 9.0″L x 4.0″W x 4.0″H. Teratornis Merriami bird skull replica is museum-quality polyurethane resin cast of original specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). Made in USA.

Teratornis merriami was a huge North American bird of prey. A large number of fossil and sub-fossil bones, representing more than 100 individuals, have been found in locations in California, Oregon, southern Nevada, Arizona, and Florida, though most are from the Californian La Brea Tar Pits.

Teratornis merriami had a wingspan of around 11 to 12 ft. and a wing area of 17.5 square meters, standing an estimated 30 in. tall. It was somewhat larger than the extant Andean and weighing about 33 lb., was nearly double the weight of an average Californian condor.

Teratornis merriami finger bones are fused as in all modern birds; however, part of the index finger forms a shelf which aided in bearing the load of long and stout primaries, which enabled the bird to utilize strong up currents.

The legs were similar to an Andean Condor’s, but stouter, and the feet could hold prey items for tearing off pieces, but could not exert a very forceful grip such as in birds of prey.

Its wing loading was not much larger than a Californian Condor’s, and Teratornis Merriami should have been able to take off by simply jumping and beating its wings under most circumstances.

It seems to have been better adapted for that than for utilizing a short run into the wind from an elevated location, as its legs are proportionally smaller.

Teratornis merriami was also well adapted to hunt for smaller animals which are also known to have utilized the pools. Analysis of the skull and bill shapes suggests that fish may have constituted a major part of its diet.

Scientific classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Accipitriformes
• Family: †Teratornithidae
• Genus: †Teratornis L. H. Miller, 1909
• Type species: Teratornis merriami Miller, 1909

Laughing kookaburra bird skull replica

Phororhacos fossil bird skull replica

Moa bird skull replica

Emu manus wing segment replica

Shop More Museum-Quality Skull Replicas in Bird Skull Store