Primophaps is an extinct genus of pigeon from the Late Oligocene of Australia. It was described in 2012 by Trevor Worthy from fossils found at the Riversleigh World Heritage Area. It was closely related to the Australian bronzewing pigeons, especially those in the genus Phaps. The genus contains only one species, P. schoddei.
History and naming
The
holotype specimen, QMF 45234, of
Primophaps was recovered from the ‘Hiatus A’ site at the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, in the Boodjamulla National Park of north-western
Queensland. The specimen is a left
coracoid that was prepared from a block of limestone. It was described alongside fragmentary columbid fossils from
South Australia in 2012 by
Trevor Worthy.
The genus name comes from the Latin primordium, (“beginning” or “origin”), and the Ancient Greek phaps (“pigeon”). The specific epithet honours Australian taxonomist Richard Schodde for his work on the relationships of Australian birds.
Description
Primophaps is similar to
Phaps in that the insertion of the plica synovialis coracoidea is represented by a small, distinct nodule present at the dorsal end of the coracoid that projects past the glenoid process. The nodule is separated from the articular facet for the
clavicle by a groove. This groove forms a link, in the form of an even curve, between the impression of the acrocoracohumeral ligament and the furrow for the M. supracoracoideus muscle. The insertion for the acrocoraco-acromion ligament is represented by a rugosity that is next to the medial side of the groove. The articular face for the clavicle is planar, with its sternal margin forming a crest.
Paleobiology
Primophaps is known exclusively from the
Late Oligocene ‘Hiatus A’ site at Riversleigh, making it the oldest record of columbids globally.
Riversleigh, at the time, was covered in open temperate woodlands, with patches of rainforest possibly being present around forest pools and watercourses.
Like its relatives, the bronzewing pigeons, it probably was a ground feeder that ate seeds.
