An enigmatic bird from the lower Maastrichtian of Vega Island, Antarctica. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cordes-Person, Amanda; Acosta Hospitaleche, Carolina; Case, Judd; Martin, James
• Is Part Of: Cretaceous research. Volume 108(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Ornithuromorph -- Ornithurae -- Cretaceous -- Seymour Island -- Antarcticavis capelambensis; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Cretaceous -- Periodicals; 551.77
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2019.104314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6671

Abstract

Abstract: We describe a partial skeleton from the lowest Maastrichtian levels of the Snow Hill Island Formation (Vega Island, West Antarctica). Because of the anatomical differences with the Antarctic Vegavis iaai and Polarornis gregorii, this fossil is recognized here as a new genus and species. The results of our phylogenetic analysis suggest that A. capelambensis would be placed inside the Ornithuromorpha, and probably nested within the Ornithurae. This provisional assignment could only be confirmed through the finding of most complete and better preserved specimens. Antarcticavis capelambensis is the geologically oldest bird described from Antarctica.