The extinct crane Grus primigeniaMilne-Edwards in Majorca (Spain)

Abstract

Bird remains from the Pleistocene of Majorca, previouslyattributed to the extant Asian Sarus Crane Grus antigone (L.), are here assigned to the large extinct European crane G. primigenia Milne-Edwards. They comprise humerus, femur, tibiotarsus, a pedal phalanx and two vertebrae and include bones not previously recorded for that species. All differ morphologically, in at least one respect, from G. antigone and, where appropriate speciments exist, from the large extinct Maltese crane G. melitensis Lydekker, as well. All except the tibiotarsus, which is the same size, are smaller than G. antigone. Where proportions can be assessed, the bones are ≪stouter≫ than G. antigone. These findings indicate distinguishable species from separate localities and with differences in habit, size and form.