Glacians

Glacians are a group of extinct, flightless birds that lived during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. They are known for their large size, robust beaks, and powerful legs, which were adapted for walking on ice and snow. Glacians are believed to have been well-suited to the cold environments of the Pleistocene, with their dense feathers providing insulation and their strong legs allowing them to traverse icy terrain.

The most well-known species of Glacian is the Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), which was native to the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. Great Auks were large birds, with a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters, and were known for their distinctive, large eyes and hooked beaks. They were primarily scavengers, feeding on the carcasses of whales and other marine mammals that washed up on shore.

Another species of Glacian is the Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea), which was native to the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. Ivory Gulls were smaller than Great Auks, with a wingspan of up to 1.2 meters, and were known for their distinctive, white plumage and long, slender bills. They were also scavengers, feeding on the carcasses of seals and other marine mammals.

Glacians are believed to have gone extinct around 11,700 years ago, likely due to a combination of factors, including climate change and the decline of their preferred food sources. Their extinction marked the end of a unique group of birds that had adapted to the cold environments of the Pleistocene epoch.