The fossil megapodes (Aves: Megapodiidae) of Fiji with descriptions of a new genus and two new species

The late Pleistocene‐Holocene fossil record of megapodes (Aves: Megapodiidae) in the Fiji Islands is examined. Three new taxa are recorded from the group: a new genus and species are erected for a flightless form from Viti Levu that rivals in size the extinct Svlviornis of New Caledonia; a large, flightless species of Megapodius is described from Viti Levu; and Megapodius alimentum Steadman is recorded from Lakeba and Mago islands in the Lau Group. The tarsometatarsus of M. alimentum is redescribed.

Keywords:

• Fiji
• megapodes
• Megapodiidae
• new genus
• new species

Notes

Palaeofaunal Surveys, 43 The Ridgeway, Nelson, New Zealand. E‐mail: [email protected].