Argentavis fossil map
Where fossils of Argentavis have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 5 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 5 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Prehistoric birds |
|---|---|
| Lived | 8–5 million years ago (Tortonian to Zanclean) |
| Periods | Neogene |
| Family | Teratornithidae |
| Named by | Campbell and Tonni 1980 |
| Fossil records | 4 occurrences at 3 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | Argentina |
| Rock formations | Epecuén, Andalhualá |
About Argentavis
Argentavis is an extinct genus of teratornithid known from three sites in the Epecuén and Andalhualá Formations in central and northwestern Argentina dating to the Late Miocene (Huayquerian). The type and only known species, A. magnificens, is sometimes called the giant teratorn. Argentavis is among the largest flying birds known with a wingspan of around 5–6 m (16–20 ft), only surpassed by that of Pelagornis sandersi, though still remains the heaviest flying bird weighing up to 70–72 kg (154–159 lb).
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Argentavis (revision 1379304787), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 22 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q645107.
