Of course, they had to be big. How else would they be able to carry a hobbit or a wizard?
Most likely this eagle, also known as the Hobbit Eagle, went extinct when it’s short, hairy-footed prey went extinct.
Fifteen birds on five fir trees,
Their feathers were fanned in a fiery breeze,
But, funny little birds, they had no wings!
O what shall we do with the funny little things?
Roast ‘em alive, or stew them in a pot;
Fry them, boil them and eat them hot?
Love it :-)