When talking about Thunderbirds of Arizona, it might be interesting to see if there were any creatures native to Arizona from Prehistoric times. After all, much of the state was under a giant lake and the lands were very lush with vegetation. It is very evident the forests were lush and greens with trees and ferns that were destined to become the Petrified Forest. This forest was the home of the Pterosaur.
The Pterosaur was a flying reptile which was not a bird nor was it related to the bird species. In fact it is not even considered a dinosaur. These flying carnivorous animals were fish eaters, and caught their prey by swooping down and scooping the fish out of the streams and lakes. The distinguishing feature of the Pterosaur was the long fourth finger which supported the wing membrane. The wing span was typically about four feet in length.
Another native flying dinosaur is the Rhamphinion Jenkinsi. This reptile had a wing span of about three feet. A big bird even in today’s standards, but it is not related to the bird species. These creatures were located in the Four Corners of Arizona where tracks were found, but not much has ever been recovered in the way of fossils. Only fragments of teeth, a skull and a wing metacarpal have been found.
It is also possible that the giant Quetzalcoatlus flew the skies of Arizona. However, most fossils have been located in Texas. This reptile is more the size that was described in the Tombstone Epitaph in April 1890. The reptile was said to have had a wing span that covered the side of a barn.
If the Thunderbird was a dinosaur the questions as to how and where are they coming from in these modern times? One proposed theory is the creatures were forced south during the massive earth changes to live in now what is known as the Amazon Jungle. This jungle is now being cleared for farming and industry forcing many species to look for new homes. If these flying reptiles were once native to Arizona would their natural instincts bring them back to look for their old nesting grounds? If so, will we see more of them?
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