Phorusrhacid bibliography

Phorusrhacidae (popularly also called ‘terror birds’) were giant flightless birds from the Americas that appeared during the Eocene and lasted until the Pliocene period (although some circumstantial evidence suggests their survival until some tens of thousands of years ago). The Phorusrhacidae originated in South America; Titanis walleri is the only known member of the branch of the group that migrated out of that continent during the Great American Interchange.

Unlike other topics in avian (and pre-avian) palaeontology, the study of these creatures has been relatively poorly served. That is a shame for a great many reasons, but it understandable from the view of current science’s preoccupation with ‘the long line’.

I have therefore started an initiative to make an inventory of the material on these fascinating creatures. The intention is to present a commented, dynamic bibliography with works relating to the study of Phorusrhacid birds. The results will be published on this page, and I warmly invite anyone with something (sensible) to say to step in.

Since the amount of literature is rather small, I think the ambition for compleness is realistic, but much depends on the amount of support. I don’t need money, but blood, sweat and tears will, to some extent, be required. Submissions and suggestions may be mailed to phorusrhacid@archaeopteryx.nl.