Terror Bird - Dinosaur-like birds

The "Terror Birds" (Titanis walleri) were the predominant predators during the Miocene period. They were giant flight birds (up to 3 meters tall) that roamed South America for about 50 million years.

The Terror Birds distinct feature was its enormous beak. Some fossils of the bird show a beak size that is about 46 cm (18 inch). It had a curving hook at the end, much like a modern eagle's beak. At that time, this beak would have been the perfect biological weapon. According to some scientists, one well-aimed strike from this beak would have killed almost anything at the time.

The Terror Birds, being a predator, were also quite fast. It is estimated that they ran as fast as modern day giant birds like the emu and rhea.

The closest living relative of the Terror Birds is believed to be the 80-cm tall seriemas that also resides in South America.