Ilbandornis

Ilbandornis
Temporal range: Late Miocene
Fossil
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Family: Dromornithidae
Genus: Ilbandornis
P. Rich, 1979
Species
  • Ilbandornis lawsoni
  • Ilbandornis woodburnei

The Ilbandornis were ostrich-sized birds, with more slender legs than other Dromornithids. The large bill of other species like Bullockornis and Dromornis indicates a carnivorous creature, while the gizzard and amino acid analysis of the eggs of Genyornis indicates Ilbandornis was herbivorous (those these eggs have been reassigned to the Giant malleefowl). As yet, the diet is in debate. Both species were found at the same locality in the Northern Territory at Alcoota Station, and dated to the Late Miocene.[1]

References

  1. Rich, P. (1979): The Dromornithidae, an extinct family of large ground birds endemic to Australia. Bureau of National Resources, Geology and Geophysics Bulletin 184: 1–196.


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