The myth of the enormous creature known as the Thunderbird has been a part of Native American tradition for many years. Legend has it that there once was a bird whose wings beat against the sky and thundered like storms, thus the name. Current reports often describe a creature that is 4 to 6 feet long overall and has an amazing wingspan of 15 to 20 feet. Witnesses frequently describe a dark-colored bird with a long beak and no feathers as acting predatorily, even going so far as to grab children and small animals.
Such a bird would be larger than any known species of bird that lives today. Out of all living birds, the wandering albatross presently holds the record with a wingspan of 12 feet. Next, with wingspans of up to 10.5 feet for the Andean condor and 10 feet for the California condor, respectively. These measures are tiny in relation to the Thunderbird’s alleged size.
Sightings
Reports of seeing these enormous birds have come from a number of states in the US, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, California, Alaska, and the southwestern areas. The mythology has gained real terror from notable occurrences like the Missouri event in 1868, where a youngster was purportedly dragged away, and the Lawndale, Illinois, event in 1977, where another boy was also attacked and momentarily lifted. Another story, from 1977 in Southwest Illinois, tells of a bird so big that it had trouble finding a tree branch big enough to hold its weight. The bird’s mythical status was further solidified in 2001 when a 19-year-old saw it in Pennsylvania. The witness described a gigantic monster that sounded like flags flying in a thunderstorm.
Though there are many eyewitness reports, concrete proof of the Thunderbird is still elusive. There has been no tangible evidence yet, such as feathers or remains. Rather, over time, a number of eyewitness accounts, images, and videos have come to light. However, because of the blurry photos, many of these have been disproven as misidentifications or inconclusive. John Huffer’s 1977 video, which some feel depicts something more than a turkey vulture, and the mysterious photo that purportedly shows a bird with a wingspan of more than 36 feet—a picture that has since disappeared into the annals of cryptozoological mystery—are noteworthy attempts to capture these creatures.
A bird of such size, according to skeptics, is biologically unlikely, if not unimaginable. However, the enormous pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus northropi, whose wingspan was estimated to be between 20 and 40 feet, and the ancient Argentavis magnificens, with its 21-foot wingspan, serve as reminders that nature has certainly produced flying creatures of astounding size.
A number of explanations have surfaced among people who consider the Thunderbird to be real. Some speculate that it is a living example of a Teratorn, similar to extinct birds such as the Argentavis magnificens or the Aiolornis incredibilis that formerly sailed over our sky. Some people speculate that the sightings might be mistaken for California Condors, despite the fact that the birds’ wingspans and non-predatory behavior do not entirely fit the descriptions. Eagles are large predators but lack the size and carrying capacity of the Thunderbird, while turkey vultures have been written off because of their diminutive stature and unique red heads.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Thunderbird continues to exist as a creature that exists on the brink between myth and reality. The cultural and historical value of these stories cannot be questioned, even though the evidence is still speculative and up for debate. They have continued to pique human curiosity and fuel our interest in the natural world’s secrets.
Further Reading
Clark, J. (1993). Unexplained!: Strange Sightings, Incredible Occurrences, and Puzzling Physical Phenomena. Detroit: Visible Ink Press.
This book offers a comprehensive catalog of unexplained phenomena, including a section on the Thunderbird. It was selected for its attempt to document and describe various reports of Thunderbird sightings within a larger context of mysterious events and creatures.
Godfrey, L. S. (2001). Cryptozoology A to Z: The Encyclopedia of Loch Monsters, Sasquatch, Chupacabras, and Other Authentic Mysteries of Nature. New York: Fireside.
Written by a well-respected cryptozoologist, Loren Coleman, and his colleague Jerome Clark, this encyclopedia provides an A-Z overview of cryptids, including the Thunderbird. The entry on the Thunderbird is particularly relevant for readers interested in the cryptozoological aspect of the creature and its place among other legendary beings.
Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology (Vol. 2) by George M. Eberhart (2002)
Eberhart’s two-volume set offers an extensive guide to various cryptids reported throughout history, including the Thunderbird. The selection of this book is due to its detailed listing of the Thunderbird, with references to sightings and its cultural significance. It serves as a valuable resource for enthusiasts seeking a historical and global perspective on the subject.
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