Abstract
ABSTRACT The Middle Eocene caprimulgiform birds of Messel (Hessen, Germany) are described. The three known species belong to two higher taxa within the Caprimulgiformes. The new genus and species Masillapodargus longipes is the earliest and most substantial fossil record of the Podargidae, a family which is today confined to Australasia. Masillapodargus longipes mainly differs from the two recent genera in the narrower beak, the wider pars symphysialis of the mandible, and in having longer legs. The Preficinae Olson, 1987 (so far only comprising the Lower Eocene species Prefica nivea) are represented by two species belonging to the new genus Paraprefica (Paraprefica kelleri, sp. nov. and Paraprefica major, sp. nov.). The phylogenetic affinities of the Preficinae need further investigation as at present their classification into the Steatornithidae (Olson, 1987) can only be supported with the extremely abbreviated tarsometatarsus which however differs trenchantly in details of its morphology between the two taxa. The assignment of a second specimen to Prefica nivea in the original description of this species is shown to be incorrect.
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