Abstract
We describe a new avian taxon (Sanshuiornis zhangi gen. et sp. nov.) from Middle Eocene black oil shales in the Huayong Formation of Guangdong Province, south China. The specimen consists of a distal tibiotarsus and a complete foot with tarsometatarsus and pedal digits in articulation. A preliminary phylogenetic analysis does not resolve the affinities of the fossil, but the bones show resemblances to some “ciconiiform” birds. The peculiar hypotarsus morphology, which is block-like and exhibits four cristae, resembles that of the early Eocene Rhynchaeites, which is a stem group representative of the Threskiornithidae. The new Chinese fossil has, however, proportionally longer legs than Rhynchaeites and its phylogenetic affinities probably cannot be resolved without further material.
Highlights
The specimen consists of a distal tibiotarsus and a complete foot with tarsometatarsus and pedal digits in articulation
A preliminary phylogenetic analysis does not resolve the affinities of the fossil, but the bones show resemblances to some “ciconiiform” birds
The new Chinese fossil has, proportionally longer legs than Rhynchaeites and its phylogenetic affinities probably cannot be resolved without further material
Summary
Nov.) from Middle Eocene black oil shales in the Huayong Formation of Guangdong Province, south China.
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