Behold the ultimate Big Bird — a seabird called Pelagornis sandersi, which probably needed a running start to take to the air because of its absurdly wide 20- to 24-foot wingspan.

The fossilized bones of the giant creature were found more than 30 years ago near Charleston, South Carolina, during excavations for a new airport terminal. But the skeleton hinted at a bird so big that researchers puzzled over how it flew.

The bird’s wingspan was arguably wider than that of Argentavis magnificens, which has held the title of all-time largest flying bird (with a 23-foot wingspan). That far outdoes the 12-foot wingspan of the wandering albatross, the living bird with the widest wings. However, the fossil record points to heavier flightless birds (such as Aepyornis) as well as bigger winged creatures (such as Quetzalcoatlus).

With its commanding presence and ecological signìicance, reminds us of the interconnectedness of all species in our delicate web of life. Its eforless flight and crucial role as nature cleanup crew make it a symbol of reslience and adaptablity