In the 1950s and 1960s fossils of some type of large bird were discovered in a cave in southeast Australia. At the time there was not enough material to say much more then that. But now this nearly 70 year old cold case has been reopened with the discovery of more fossils in 2021. And this discovery adds another apex predator to the Pleistocene Australian landscape.

Joining the ranks of such killers as Megalania, Thylacoleo, Quinkana and the Saltwater Crocodile, Dynatoaetus gaffae is the largest flying bird that ever lived in the land down under. Sporting a 10 foot wingspan and massive talons, it not only was a top predator but it's existence may explain the evolution of another large predatory bird that came to evolve on another southern landmass.