The leg bones are arguably the most normal part of pelagornithids, at least in terms of their shape. yet they are almost comically small compared with the wing bones. Nevertheless, the hide limb bones had reinforced walls and a stout shape that would have made them relatively strong. Like many living sea-birds, pelagornithids were probably somewhat awkward when it came to crossing large distances on land. But all they needed presumably, was the ability to sprint effectively for short distances to initiate takeoff.