What Was the Largest Flying Dinosaur?

The largest flying dinosaur was Argentavis, which had a 23 feet (7 meter) wingspan.

There have been other large flying creatures in world's history, but some of them were not dinosaurs and others did not fly, but rather glided. The largest flying dinosaur was Argentavis, also known as "Argentavis magnificens" which means "magnificent Argentine bird." It lived 6 million years ago in the region that is now known as Argentina.

Argentavis was so large that it probably had to run downhill in order take off into flight. It had strong legs and large flight muscles. Experts who studied Argentavis' fossils estimate the flying dinosaur had a height of 5.6 to 6.5 feet (1.7 to 2 meters) and it weighed between 140 and 180 pounds (60-80 kilograms). It could fly at speeds up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) per hour.

More about flying creatures:

The title of the largest flying dinosaur is often attributed to Quetzalcoatlus northropi, a pterosaur with an estimated wingspan of up to 10-11 meters (33-36 feet). This magnificent creature soared through the skies of what is now North America during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 68 million years ago.

Quetzalcoatlus northropi stood out due to its enormous size and distinctive proportions. It had a long, stiff neck, a sharp beak, and relatively long legs. Its wings were supported by an elongated fourth finger, and it likely had a lightweight body structure to enable flight, despite its massive wingspan.

Quetzalcoatlus northropi's flight mechanics have been a subject of debate, but it's believed that it used updrafts and strong wing muscles for takeoff. Once airborne, it could glide efficiently over long distances. Its large wingspan provided the necessary lift, while its hollow bones reduced its overall weight, facilitating flight.

Quetzalcoatlus northropi was likely a carnivore, feeding on small animals such as lizards, fish, and even baby dinosaurs. It is thought to have been a skilled hunter, possibly stalking prey from the air or foraging on the ground, using its keen eyesight and long beak to snatch up meals.

Fossils of Quetzalcoatlus northropi have been primarily discovered in the Big Bend National Park in Texas, USA. These findings have provided valuable insights into the morphology and potential lifestyle of this prehistoric giant, helping paleontologists piece together the puzzle of its existence during the Cretaceous period.

While Quetzalcoatlus northropi and other pterosaurs are not dinosaurs and have no direct modern descendants, birds are considered the closest living relatives of theropod dinosaurs. Birds evolved from small, feathered theropods in the Jurassic period, and their flight adaptations have been refined over millions of years, leading to the diverse avian species we see today.