phaethons

Phaethons are a group of extinct birds that lived during the Miocene epoch, approximately 23 to 5.3 million years ago. They are known from fossil remains found in Europe, North America, and Asia. Phaethons are notable for their large size, with some species reaching up to 1.5 meters in length and weighing over 10 kilograms. They are believed to have been flightless birds, with their long legs and powerful muscles suggesting a terrestrial lifestyle.

The most well-known genus of phaethons is Phaethornis, which includes several species found in Europe and Asia. These birds had long, slender bodies and relatively short wings, which are characteristic of modern flightless birds. Another genus, Phaethornithes, is known from North American fossils and is distinguished by its larger size and more robust build.

Phaethons are thought to have been omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant and animal materials. Their fossil remains have been found in a range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and coastal areas, suggesting that they were adaptable birds capable of living in diverse environments.

The extinction of phaethons is not well understood, but it is believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including climate change and competition with other birds. Their fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution of flightless birds and the diversity of bird life during the Miocene epoch.