Miscellaneous
Large Elephant Bird Egg
Details
- Date
- pre 17th century
- Author / Artist
- Dimensions
- Material
- Shell
- Catalogue number
- SS.55
- Current location
- Science
A large Elephant Bird egg, an intact Aepyornis Maximus, Madagascar, before 17th century. Elephant birds are extinct flightless birds belonging to the order Aepyornithiformes that were native to the island of Madagascar. They are thought to have become extinct around 1000 AD. Aepyornis maximus is possibly the largest bird to have ever lived, with their eggs being the largest known for any amniote. It is likely that this example formed part of a cabinet of curiosities at Stowe, before being misplaced.
