An Estimated Weight of the Largest Known Bird

Abstract

The Ostrich (Struthio Camelus), largest of living birds, was far surpassed in size by the Elephant-bird (Aepyornis madmus) of Madagascar. The larger of the New Zealand moas such as Dinornis were intermediate in size. The moas and elephant-birds were exterminated by the natives of these islands and are known only from sub-fossil remains of skeletons, eggs and feathers. An estimate of the weight of the largest known birds may be of both scientific and popular interest. Although the living ratites may not be closely related to tlie extinct ones of Madagascar and New Zealand, they are the closest approach to them in size and proportions, and may be used as a basis for calcu- lations. This study was undertaken at the suggestion of Dr. Ernst Mayr, and he has given me a number of valuable suggestions