Torporavis

Torporavis is a genus of extinct birds that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Torporavis murivorus, which was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota, USA. The name Torporavis means "sluggish bird," reflecting the slow-moving lifestyle of this creature.

Torporavis was a large, flightless bird, with an estimated body length of around 1.5 meters (5 feet) and a weight of up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds). It had a robust build, with strong legs and a large, flat beak. The legs were adapted for walking and running, with long toes that likely helped the bird to move through dense vegetation.

The diet of Torporavis is thought to have consisted mainly of fruits and seeds, although it may have also consumed small animals. The bird's large, flat beak and strong legs suggest that it was well-adapted to feeding on the ground. The fossil remains of Torporavis include well-preserved bones, as well as evidence of soft tissue, such as feathers and skin.

Torporavis is an important fossil because it provides insight into the evolution of birds and their adaptations to different environments. Its slow-moving lifestyle and ground-dwelling habits set it apart from other known Late Cretaceous birds, which were typically fast-moving and arboreal. The discovery of Torporavis has helped to fill in gaps in our understanding of bird evolution and the diversity of bird species during the Late Cretaceous period.