The bird assemblage from the Middle Palaeolithic level I of Arbreda Cave: A taphonomic story

Abstract

The Middle Palaeolithic avifaunal assemblage recovered from level I (c. 40 ka) of Arbreda Cave (northern Iberia) includes a high diversity of birds. The most abundant taxa are cliff-dwelling species represented mostly by choughs (Pyrrhocorax spp.) and pigeons (Columba livia). Forest species, especially corvids, are also well represented. Taphonomic analysis reveals a complex scenario with evidence of different agents acting as bird bone accumulators at the site. Cut marks, peeling and diagnostic fractures produced by overextension of articulations indicate that Neanderthals were involved in the consumption and disposal of the avian remains, especially choughs, pigeons and jackdaws. A substantial number of tooth/beak-marked bones and some digested remains also evidence the participation of other predators, probably raptors, in the formation of the assemblage. Other birds probably died naturally and were incorporated into the archaeological record.This study provides further evidence of the exploitation of avian resources by Neanderthals. It also exemplifies the complexity of archaeological small-prey assemblages and the necessity of undertaking a detailed taphonomic analysis to establish the origin of faunal remains.