The term elephant birds refers to extinct flightless birds that were native to Madagascar. Often referred to as Aepyornis, these big birds were up to ten feet tall with an estimated weight of up to 1100 pounds. They were unable to fly, and their elongated legs and powerful build suggest that they were built for speed. Other words used to describe these giant birds include ratites, megafauna, and prehistoric avians. Due to their large size and the unique nature of these birds, they continue to fascinate scientists and the public alike. While elephant birds have been extinct for hundreds of years, their fossils and remains continue to be studied to learn more about their physiology and behavior.