Thunderbird Sightings

The Thunderbird is a legendary creature from Native American mythology, described as an enormous bird capable of creating thunder with its wingbeats. Modern sightings of giant birds with wingspans exceeding fifteen feet have been reported across North America, suggesting the legend may have a basis in reality.

Native American Tradition

Multiple Native American tribes have Thunderbird legends. The creature is typically described as an enormous bird, often with supernatural powers. It could create storms, carry off large prey, and was treated with great respect and fear.

Some researchers suggest these legends may preserve memories of actual encounters with large, now-extinct birds. Others propose the Thunderbird may still survive in remote areas.

Modern Sightings

Reports of giant birds have continued into modern times. In 1890, the Tombstone Epitaph allegedly published a story about cowboys killing an enormous bird in Arizona, though the original article has never been found.

In 1977, in Lawndale, Illinois, two large birds reportedly attacked a group of children. One bird allegedly lifted ten-year-old Marlon Lowe off the ground and carried him several feet before dropping him. The incident was witnessed by multiple adults.

The Tombstone Thunderbird

One of cryptozoology’s most famous mysteries is the alleged photograph of a giant bird shot in Arizona in the 1890s. Many researchers claim to have seen this photo in old books or magazines, but no one has ever produced a copy. This “missing Thunderbird photo” has become a mystery in itself.

Possible Explanations

Skeptics suggest Thunderbird sightings are misidentifications of large but normal birds like condors, herons, or pelicans. Distance and surprise can make birds appear larger than they are.

However, witnesses in close encounters consistently describe birds far larger than any known species, with wingspans that would make them among the largest flying animals in Earth’s history.

Assessment

The Thunderbird represents where Native American legend meets modern cryptid sighting. Whether the giant birds are surviving prehistoric species, extreme specimens of known species, or products of imagination, reports continue across North America.