Scientists identify largest flying bird ever

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Scientists have identified what they believe is the largest flying bird ever from a fossil found in South Carolina. The gigantic bird, called the Pelagornis sandersi, or P. sandersi, was a seabird that lived some 25 to 28 million years ago and has an estimated wingspan of 21 feet. The name honors a retired Charleston museum curator who recovered the fossil.

The fossil was originally discovered in 1983 near the Charleston airport, but its first formal description was released Monday by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Construction workers found the bones, which were so huge workers used a backhoe to dig them up.

The bird had paper thin hollow bones, which allowed it to fly great distances without flapping its wings. However, it likely needed a running start to fly and was clumsy on land.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.