Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun A genus of large, extinct birds of Madagascar.
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
Support
Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word Aepyornis.
Examples
-
"Aepyornis," or "elephant bird of Madagascar" that was supposedly strong enough to lift pachyderms.
-
"Aepyornis," or "elephant bird of Madagascar" that was supposedly strong enough to lift pachyderms.
-
"Aepyornis," or "elephant bird of Madagascar" that was supposedly strong enough to lift pachyderms.
-
The giant Aepyornis maximus of Madagascar, known as the elephant bird, has been extinct since the 17th century, hunted down for its rich meat.
-
The flightless elephant bird (Aepyornis maximus), extinct more than five hundred years ago, was the heaviest bird ever to have lived at roughly 450 kilograms (nearly 1,000 pounds).
Biological diversity in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands 2008
-
A 5m long crocodile with the proportions of C. robustus would have a weight of about 500kg or more, such an animal was probably even able to tackle down an adult Aepyornis. 170kg for a 4m crocodile seems still a bit too less for a crocodile of this length, a weight of about 300kg would be much more plausible.
Even more recently extinct, island dwelling crocodilians Darren Naish 2006
-
In the millennia before human invasion, it harbored not just Aepyornis maximus but a handful of lesser elephant birds.
The Song of The Dodo David Quammen 2004
-
Its leg bones are drastically different from the leg bones of Aepyornis maximus, those of the ostrich being suited for much greater speed.
The Song of The Dodo David Quammen 2004
-
New Zealand had the moa Dinornis maximus, a giant on the same scale as Aepyornis maximus, though skinnier—more like a giraffe than like an elephant.
The Song of The Dodo David Quammen 2004
-
Madagascar had Aepyornis maximus, largest of what were familiarly known as the elephant birds.
The Song of The Dodo David Quammen 2004
Comments
Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.