Pelagornis miocaenus is known from Aquitanian (Early Miocene) sediments – formerly believed to be of Middle Miocene age – of Armagnac (France). The only Pelagornis birds in Mediterranean regions live here.

Etymology

In Greek and Latin words for pelagic bird.

Physical Appearance

A relative of modern seagulls, Pelagornis is instantly recognizable from the more common terns and gulls by its size, than the albatross. With a wingspan rivaling Argentavis magnificens, it also possesses a beak filled with tooth-like projections for snagging fish, as well as webbed feet for paddling upon the ocean surface when it must rest its wings.

In Earth Responsibly universe, Pelagornis miocaenus had a fan-shaped white-and-brown tail, dull apricot flesh on its face, light peach-webbed feet, gray dull talons, a light orange long bill with tooth-like edges and an apricot on top, and hazel eyes. It also had white feathers with brown on top and wings and yellow underneath. This species was recorded by the proto-Isu, the godlike hominid owns the disc-like "Memory Seal Device".

Changes in 2024

In 2024, every species of Pelagornis will be redrawn. If they survive, all of Pelagornis species transform into toothed-bill albatross-like sheathbills.

Abilities

Pelagornis uses their sharp tooth-like or knob-like extensions of the bill's margin, called "pseudo-teeth," which would have enabled the living animal to better grip and grasp slippery prey and pierce unprotected parts of the body. Instead of being deep divers, pelagornithids were surface foragers. Extensive swimming was unlikely because of their large wings and thin bones. Like contemporary albatrosses, they most likely made a brief landing on the water.

In Earth Responsibly universe, every Pelagornis species—including their chick—projects this repulsive oil and water combination from their beaks in order to fend off predators or adversaries who mostly despise this bird.

Weaknesses

Because of their ability to fly, ranged or magic weaponry is recommended.

Ecology

When on water, Pelagornis lands safely and becomes a fast swimmer. The hollow spikes on the birds' beaks allowed the predators to grab slippery squid and fish from the ocean. The majority of Pelagornis' lives were spent over the open ocean because they were pelagic. Pelagornis were able to capture fish, squid, and soft-bodied marine prey at the surface because to the pseudoteeth on their beak. Long-distance flying and surface feeding are supported by ecological reconstructions of pelagic seabirds.

Large mammalian carnivores, crocodilians, and sharks were probably preying on Pelagornis miocaenus. However, Pelagornis chicks may have been hunted by raptors, monkeys, canids, and feliforms.

Reproduction

Direct evidence is limited, but:

As large pelagic birds, they likely nested on remote coastal cliffs or islands, similar to modern albatrosses.
Pelagornithidae specimens show slow maturation, suggesting long growth periods similar to other large seabirds.

Behavior

For the majority of the day, Pelagornis was capable of long-distance gliding and surface snatching while flying. Like huge modern seabirds, pelagornithids breed colonially and are rarely found on land other than during nesting. The pseudoteeth were used for grip rather than tearing, and there is no evidence of aggressive predation on large animals.

Pelagornis were probably shy but not dangerous, keeping a safe distance like contemporary albatrosses. They would be magnificent but vulnerable around ships due to their vast wingspan. They wouldn't be hostile to anyone and would stay away from them.

Cause of Extinction

Up into the early Pleistocene, pelagornithids continued to exist. Their extinction causes are not entirely known, but potential factors include:

Ocean productivity is changing due to global climate change.
Competition from newly emerging modern seabirds like gannets and early albatrosses.
Due to their large size and sluggish reproduction, they are susceptible to changes in the environment.

Their lengthy but diminishing fossil record is in line with these theories.

Distribution and Habitat

It occurs in France and nearby countries in Mediterranean Sea in Middle Miocene.

Movement Pattern: Full Migrant
Individual Type: Solo and Gather
Population Trend: Stable
Population: ???
Locomotion: Versatile
Habitat: Taiga; Montane Grasslands and Shrublands; Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests; Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Salt Flats; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Mushroom Forests; Mushroom Fields; Deserts and Xeric Shrublands; Badlands; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale; Mountain; Sky; Warm River; Cold River; Lukewarm River; Subterranean River; Warm Pond; Cold Pond; Aquifer; Warm Littoral; Cold Littoral; Warm Intertidal; Cold Intertidal.
Earth:
- Extinct: France; Italy; Monaco; San Marino; Spain; Portugal