Aepyornis

Aepyornis, commonly known as the elephant bird, was a genus of extinct, flightless birds that inhabited Madagascar. These colossal creatures are among the largest birds to have ever lived. There were several species within the Aepyornis genus, with Aepyornis maximus often cited as the largest. These birds stood up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall and could weigh over 700 kilograms (1,500 pounds). Their immense size meant they were likely ground-dwelling, feeding on plants, fruits, and seeds. Aepyornis eggs were also exceptionally large, with some specimens exceeding 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length and capable of holding more than 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of liquid, making them the largest eggs of any animal known.

The extinction of Aepyornis is believed to have occurred around the 17th century, though the exact timing is debated. The primary causes are thought to be a combination of human activity, including hunting for meat and eggs, and habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion by settlers arriving on the island. The discovery of Aepyornis remains, particularly their massive eggs, has provided valuable insights into the prehistoric fauna of Madagascar and the ecological dynamics of the island before widespread human impact.