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Aepyornis maximus, elephant bird
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Aepyornis maximus, elephant bird
Painting by Maurice Wilson from his drawings collection (1950)
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Media ID 8579921
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10706328
1914 1987 20th Century Aepyornis Behaviour Flightless Habitat Locomotion Madagascar Maurice Maurice Wilson Neck
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This painting by Maurice Wilson depicts the enigmatic Aepyornis maximus, also known as the elephant bird, in its natural Madagascar habitat. The elephant bird was a flightless, ostrich-like bird that once roamed the island of Madagascar, making it the largest known bird species to have ever existed. The elephant bird is shown here in its daytime environment, surrounded by lush vegetation and tall trees. Its long, powerful legs and neck are prominently displayed, revealing its unique anatomy that was well-adapted for terrestrial locomotion. The bird's long neck and S-shaped siphon-like bill are also clearly visible, highlighting its distinct anatomical features. Despite its imposing size, the elephant bird was a gentle giant and posed no threat to humans. However, its large eggs, which could weigh up to 11 pounds, were highly prized by the local population for food. The painting captures a moment in time, with a man in the background, possibly in the act of collecting one of these valuable eggs. Maurice Wilson created this illustration in the mid-20th century, based on his own drawings. Wilson was a renowned natural history artist, whose work focused on the avian world. This particular painting is a testament to his exceptional talent and his dedication to documenting the natural history of Madagascar's unique fauna. The Aepyornis maximus went extinct around 1480-1600 AD, making this painting an important record of a bird that once graced the island of Madagascar. The painting serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity that once existed on the island and the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.
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