Hallics

Hallics are a group of extinct, flightless birds that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. They are known from fossil remains found in North America, particularly in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana and the Dakotas. Hallics are characterized by their large size, robust build, and distinctive features such as a large, flat beak and a short, powerful tail.

The name "Hallics" is derived from the genus name Hallornis, which was first described by paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh in 1871. The genus name is a combination of the Greek words "hallo" meaning "to roar" and "ornis" meaning "bird," reflecting the loud calls of these birds. Hallics are believed to have been omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant and animal materials.

Hallics are part of the order Galliformes, which includes modern birds such as chickens, turkeys, and pheasants. However, they are not closely related to these birds and are considered to be a separate family, Hallornithidae. The exact relationships of Hallics to other extinct and modern birds are still a topic of ongoing research.

Despite their large size and robust build, Hallics are believed to have been relatively slow-moving birds. This is suggested by their short legs and the presence of a large, flat beak, which would have made it difficult for them to run quickly. Instead, they may have been adapted to a more sedentary lifestyle, feeding on the ground or in shallow water.

The extinction of Hallics is not well understood, but it is believed to have occurred during the Late Cretaceous extinction event, which saw the disappearance of many other groups of animals. The fossil record suggests that Hallics may have been replaced by modern galliform birds after this event.