Giant demon duck of doom

A few years ago scientists in Australia described a particularly large example of a Thunder Bird, an extinct group of large (up to 3m tall and 500kg), carnivorous birds. For many years it was assumed these birds were related to other large flightless birds, such as emus, cassowaries and ostriches. However as further specimens accumulated opinions changed and it is now thought that the similarities between these groups are the result of similar adaptations following the loss of flight. The latest idea is that thunder birds actually evolved early in the lineage that includes waterfowl. Because of its large size, carnivorous habits and its waterfowl ancestry, the Australian find was nicknamed the 'Demon Duck of Doom.' Which, of course, guaranteed a bumper crop of press reports.

Now, from the same site, paleontologists are reporting flesh eating 'Killer Kangaroos' with wolf like fangs. Only a week old the story has already been picked up by a number of media sources. The message to paleontologists everywhere is clear - if you want some attention in the media find a carnivorous species from a group that is usually perceived as herbivorous. Bonus points if people already find the group funny. I'm off to look for a carnivorous cow.......