Paraphysornis

Name: Paraphysornis (Near nature bird).
Phonetic: Pa-rah-fys-or-niss.
Named By: Alvarenga - 1982.
Classification: Chordata, Aves, Cariamae, Phorusrhacidae, Brontornithinae.
Species: P. brasiliensis (type).
Diet: Carnivore.
Size: At least 2 meters high, 20 centmetre long skull.
Known locations: Brazil.
Time period: Chattian of the Oligocene.
Fossil representation: Well-known specimens.

       Paraphysornis was one of the more robust members of the phorusrhacid ‘terror birds’ and was most closely related to Physornis and Brontornis. Because of its large size and heavier build, Paraphysornis probably relied more upon ambush tactics to surprise prey rather than running it down over extended distances. Although this does not mean that Paraphysornis was afraid to give chase after prey.

Further reading
- Paraphysornis novo gênero para Physornis brasiliensis Alvarenga, 1982 (Aves: Phorusrhacidae). - Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 65:403-406. - H. M. F. Alvarenga - 1993.



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