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The Native American tribes know the Thunderbird as part of their mythology and religion. It was an elemental spirit associated with the air and the wind. It was an intelligent bird like creature of huge size. The clapping together of its wings drew in clouds and caused the thunder whilst lightning would flash from its eyes. It was believed to live in the high mountain tops. 

Exact details of the Thunderbird vary between tribes. To some they are simply very large birds, to others they are divine or semi-divine beings. Some believe that they are able to change themselves into human form. Others believe that Thunderbirds are actually humans able to change into the form of birds.

Many sightings of a creature resembling the legendary Thunderbird have been reported over the years. A huge bird was said to have been killed by two Arizona cowboys in 1890. There is reportedly a photograph of this creature which many people over the years have claimed to have seen, though I wonder if this has become an urban myth.

The usual description of the Thunderbird is of a dark, birdlike creature with a wingspan of some 15 to 20 feet. It is sometimes described as having reptillian features, which has led some to speculate that it might be some form of surviving dinosaur. Sightings of the Thunderbird often coincide with storms, in keeping with their mythical attribution. It's been suggested that the creature might like to glide on the storm winds.

Some stories say that the Thunderbird is capable of carrying of animals - possibly even people. During a famous sighting in 1977, a ten year old boy was reportedly lifted from the ground and carried along for several fet before he managed to struggle free.

If the Thunderbird does exist then it would be larger than any known bird today. The ability to lift a ten year old boy from the ground would also make it highly unusual. Many people are convinced that the Thunderbird is simply a combination of legend, tall tales and misreporting.