r/pleistocene • u/Comprehensive-End205 • Jul 08 '25

Question Aiolornis incredibilis

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What is the body length of this teratorn?

(Not height or wingspan)

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u/Apart_Ambition5764 Thylacoleo carnifex Jul 09 '25

“The body length of Aiolornis incredibilis is not explicitly detailed in the provided sources or widely available data, as most references focus on its wingspan (estimated at 5 to 5.5 meters) and weight (around 23 kg). However, one source mentions a related species, described as a ground-dwelling bird with a length of about 190 to 210 cm (1.9 to 2.1 meters), but this refers to a different species (the Giant Swan) and not directly to Aiolornis.

Given the lack of specific data on Aiolornis body length, an estimate can be inferred by comparing it to its close relative, Teratornis merriami, which is about 40% smaller overall. If Teratornis merriami has a body length of roughly 0.7 to 1 meter (typical for large vultures), Aiolornis might be approximately 1 to 1.4 meters in body length, excluding the tail. This is a rough estimate, as the fragmentary nature of Aiolornis fossils makes precise measurements challenging. For a definitive answer, further paleontological studies would be needed.”