D&D Basic Monsters: Axe Beak

The Axe Beak appeared in the original Monster Manual, and was one of the first monsters you'd see when you opened the book. They're inspired by prehistoric, flightless birds (related to today's ostriches, emus and rheas), and the massive beak might evoke images of the Gastornis, that lived some 56-45 million years ago. Other gigantic flightless birds have existed, notably on Madagascar, where the Elephant Birds lived, probably up until the 17th or 18th century, the largest of which grew up to 10 feet tall.