These two species are closely related to the other ratites, the giant flightless birds that evolved on the immense southern landmass of Gondwanaland: the ostrich of Africa, the rhea of South America, the kiwis of New Zealand, and the extinct moa and elephant birds of New Zealand and Madagascar, respectively.Īustralian Thunderbird- Stirtons thunderbird ( Dromornis stirtoni) was probably the largest Australian thunderbird and one of the heaviest birds ever to have lived.
Today, Australia is home to two species of giant flightless bird: the emu of the bush and plains and the cassowary of the northern forests. Where did it live? The bones of these birds are known only from Australia. When did it become extinct? The last of the Australian thunderbirds died out around 30,000 years ago.
Scientific classification: Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Anseriformes Family: Dromornithidae
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