Pengana

Extinct genus of birds

Pengana
Temporal range: Early Miocene
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Pengana
Species:
P. robertbolesi
Binomial name
Pengana robertbolesi
Boles, 1993

Pengana robertbolesi, also referred to as the flexiraptor, is an extinct bird of prey that lived during the Early Miocene (23–16 million years ago). Living relatives of P. robertbolesi may include the harriers. When alive, it may have resembled a cross between the secretary bird and crested caracara.

Its remains were found in Riversleigh, Queensland, Australia. P. robertbolesi is only known from a tibiotarsus (ankle bone). However, this is of most peculiar construction, allowing the leg to be swivelled backwards and sideways. The bird was thus well adapted to reaching into holes and crevices and extracting prey. The vernacular name flexiraptor was coined to reflect this ability.

References

  • Boles, W. E. (1993a): Pengana robertbolesi, a peculiar bird of prey from the Tertiary of Riversleigh, northwestern Queensland, Australia. Alcheringa 17: 19–26.
  • Boles, W. E. (1993b): The fabulous flexiraptor: a bird with a strange twist. Riversleigh Notes 22: 2–3.

External links

  • Australian Museum
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Genera of eagles, condors and their extinct allies
Cathartiformes
incertae sedis
  • Parasarcoramphus
Teratornithidae
Cathartidae
Accipitriformes
    • See below ↓
Argentavismagnificens.png
Horusornithidae
Pandionidae
  • Pandion
Sagittariidae
Accipitridae
incertae sedis
Aegypiinae
Accipitrinae
Aquilinae
Archaehieraxinae
  • Archaehierax
Buteoninae
Buteonini
Milvini
Circaetinae
Circinae
  • Circus
Elaninae
Gypaetinae
Haliaeetinae
Harpaginae
Harpiinae
Lophospizinae
Melieraxinae
Perninae
Taxon identifiers
Pengana robertbolesi


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