Publisher's Synopsis
A journey that will change your perception of birds and will make you look at the natural world around us with new eyes. Imagine a world where gigantic birds, but unable to fly, dominate the terrestrial landscapes. A lost kingdom of majestic creatures that challenge our understanding of avian evolution. In History of Extinct Landbirds, Antonio Monclova guides us on a journey through time, unearthing the secrets of these amazing creatures that once walked upon our planet. From the imposing moas of New Zealand to the colossal elephant birds of Madagascar, the author unravels the mystery of their existence and disappearance. With the precision of a paleontologist and the passion of a storyteller, he immerses us in the ecosystems where these birds thrived, revealing surprising connections between birds, reptiles and dinosaurs. We discover how the majestic Paleognaths evolved, why the formidable Australian dromornids reached unimaginable sizes, and what made the terror birds so fearsome. The enigmatic dodo, symbol of extinction, is given new life in these pages, along with a gallery of winged giants that have left their mark on Earth's history. This book is a window into an amazing past. It meticulously interweaves the latest fossil discoveries with hot scientific debates, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of paleornithology. A must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of evolution, the fragility of life, and the wonders hidden in the fossil record. "Thoroughly documented and packed with fascinating historical and scientific discoveries, this book immerses us in the incredible evolution of flightless birds, offering an indispensable work for any lover of ornithology and natural history." Prologue by Dr. Antonio Sánchez Marco Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
