Palaelodus (Aves: Palaelodidae) from the Middle to Late Cainozoic of Australia

摘要: Skeletal elements of the extinct family Palaelodidae have only been recorded from Australia since 1982. We describe Palaelodus pledgei n. sp. and P. wilsoni sp., two new species palaelodid Cooper Creek, Lakes Palankarinna, Pinpa Yanda in northern South Australia. The material differs European both mensural morphological characters constitutes smallest largest genus. These clearly belong genus Palaelodus, rather than Megapaloelodus, based upon gracile nature elements. extends chronological range to Middle Pleistocene. Owing differences Australian is considered be little use intercontinental correlation. Palaeoenvironmental factors responsible for extinction may similar those speculated Phoenicopteridae, namely loss lake full levels at end Pleistocene, ...