These 11 birds are living proof dinosaurs still walk among us

From beaks to claws, these modern birds carry ancient traits that trace back to dinosaurs. (Image: Canva)

Cassowary: With a helmet head and dagger-like claws, the cassowary looks like a prehistoric raptor. (Image: Canva)

Ostrich: The largest bird in the world, ostriches possess strong legs and a dinosaur-like stride ideal for speedy getaways. (Image: Canva)

Shoebill Stork: Its huge, prehistoric beak and sluggish movements give the shoebill the appearance of a Mesozoic creature. (Image: Canva)

Secretary Bird: Its long legs and aggressive hunting mode mirror the lethal posture of velociraptors. (Image: Canva)

Emu: Australia's emu possesses powerful limbs, abbreviated wings, and an uncanny resemblance to fossil theropods from ancient times. (Image: Canva)

Hoatzin: The South American bird features chicks with claws on their wings—exactly like ancient dinosaur-bird fossils. (Image: Canva)

Chicken: To everyone's surprise, common chickens are close genetic cousins of the T. rex, with ancient DNA present in backyard farmyards. (Image: Canva)

Kiwi: This flightless bird from New Zealand has little wings, strong legs, and a sense of smell—all uncommon in birds today. (Image: Canva)

Rhea: Rheas, found in South America, have a body build and gait that recall two-legged dinosaurs. (Image: Canva)

Hawk: Talons sharp as knives, eyes piercing, and predatory mode of flight make hawks natural successors to ancestral flying dinosaurs. (Image: Canva)

Bald Eagle: With  fierce looks and a muscular physique, the bald eagle rules the skies as a contemporary pterosaur-like predator. (Image: Canva)