The giant moa (Dinornis) is an extinct genus of birds belonging to the moa family. As with other moa, it was a member of the order Dinornithiformes. It was endemic to New Zealand. Two species of Dinornis are considered valid, the North Island giant moa (Dinornis novaezealandiae) and the South Island giant moa (Dinornis robustus). In addition ...

They were the largest terrestrial animals and dominant herbivores in New Zealand's forest, shrubland, and subalpine ecosystems until the arrival of the Māori, and were hunted only by Haast's eagle. Moa extinction occurred within 100 years of human settlement of New Zealand, primarily due to overhunting. [7]

Moa, any of several extinct ostrichlike flightless birds native to New Zealand that make up the order Dinornithiformes. They ranged in size from as big as a turkey to larger than an ostrich; some stood as tall as 3 meters (10 feet). DNA evidence suggests that moa are related to South American tinamous.

Apr 10, 2025 · One suggestion is that the tracks were made by a subadult; moa species like the North Island giant moa (Dinornis novaezealandiae) could reach heights between 2 to 3 meters (6.6 to 9.8 feet), so it ...

The South Island giant moa was the largest species of moa. Adult females stood up to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) tall at the back, and could reach foliage up to 3.6 metres (11 ft 10 in) off the ground, making them the tallest bird species known.

Giant Moa is an extinct bird that was discovered in the early 19 th century and was named by Richard Owen in 1843. Its official name – Dinornis robustus – is translated as meaning “strange & robust bird.”

Jan 6, 2025 · The South Island giant moa was one of the largest flightless birds, reaching heights of up to 3.6 meters (about 12 feet). Weighing around 200 kilograms (440 pounds), it had a large body well-suited for its habitat.

Feb 1, 2025 · The giant moa, an extinct group of flightless birds native to New Zealand, once reigned as one of the tallest and most impressive avian species in the world.

Mar 17, 2014 · Did we alone drive the giant birds over the brink, or were they already on their way out thanks to disease and volcanic eruptions? Now, a new genetic study of moa fossils points to humankind as the sole perpetrator of the birds' extinction.

Mar 28, 2022 · The Moa, also known as the Giant Moa, was a genus of large-size birds that were endemic to the island nation of New Zealand several centuries back. These flightless birds, which existed in nine species under six genera, lived in the country for several thousand years before the Māori colonists settled in the country in around 1300 AD.