A new species of Gallicolumba: Columbidae from Henderson Island, Pitcairn Group

Abstract

A new species of ground dove in the genus Gallicolumba is described from abundant material from late Pleistocene to Holocene age deposits of natural and midden derivation on Henderson Island in the Pitcairn Group, South Pacific Ocean. Osteological characters suggest that it was most closely related to G. stairi and G. rubescens. Relatively enlarged leg elements and reduced wing elements suggest that this dove was facultatively flightless.

Keywords:

• Columbidae
• Gallicolumba new species
• Henderson Island
• Pitcairn Group

Notes

Palaeofaunal Surveys, 2A Willow Park Drive, RD 11, Masterton, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]

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