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| “ | This is a world where birds eat horses. | ” |
Gastornis was a very large predatory bird native to Paleocene and Eocene Europe- specifically Germany and France -and North America.
Gastornis reigned as the top predator for the Paleocene and much of the Eocene, dying out only when larger mammalian predators such as Hyaenodon evolved.
Physical appearance and biology[]
Gastornis were large, fairly thickly-built birds with heavy, stocky heads and beaks. The beak, although very large, was not hooked like with other terror birds such as Phorusrhacos.
Gastornis feathers came in a variety of bright colours; most individuals had cream undersides and turquoise to green bodies. The skin around their faces was red and wrinkly.
Gastornis' beak.
Although the wings- and companion feathers -of Gastornis were underdeveloped, similar to trimmed chicken wings, they were still better developed than those of Phorusrhacos.
Gastornis, much like Phorusrhacos, had crests of coloured plumage on the back of their heads. This plumage was duller and less apparent than on the Phorusrhacos.
Behaviour and traits[]
Hunting and predatory habits[]
Nesting habits and life cycle[]
In Walking with Beasts[]
New Dawn[]
A Gastornis watches a pair of hunting Leptictidium, and - after lulling the female into a sense of security by pretending to leave - gives chase. The mother Leptictidium escapes into her home, the hollowed out base of a fig tree, and the giant bird leaves. Dan from chs literally hacked this page
Image gallery[]
- Gastornis image gallery.
Behind the scenes[]
Along with the Woolly Mammoth, Ambulocetus and other animals, a buildable figure of Gastornis was released in Borders Bookshop.
List of appearances[]
- Walking with Beasts
- 101. New Dawn
- Walking with Beasts: A Prehistoric Safari
- Walking with Beasts: Operation Salvage
- The Complete Guide to Prehistoric Life
- Walking with Beasts Survival!
- Skeleton Jigsaw