The fossil megapodes (Aves : Megapodiidae) of Fiji with descriptions of a new genus and two new species

Authors
Worthy, TH
Citation
Th. Worthy, The fossil megapodes (Aves : Megapodiidae) of Fiji with descriptions of a new genus and two new species, J RS NZ, 30(4), 2000, pp. 337-364
Citations number
35
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary
Journal title
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
ISSN journal
03036758 → ACNP
Volume
30
Issue
4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
337 - 364
Database
ISI
SICI code
0303-6758(200012)30:4<337:TFM(:M>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
The late Pleistocene-Holocene fossil record of megapodes (Aves: Megapodiida e) in the Fiji Islands is examined. Three new taxa are recorded from the gr oup: a new genus and species are erected for a flightless form from Viti Le vu that rivals in size the extinct Sylviornis of New Caledonia; a large, fl ightless species of Megapodius is described from Viti Levu; and Megapodius alimentum Steadman is recorded from Lakeba and Mago islands in the Lau Grou p. The tarsometatarsus of M. alimentum is redescribed.