The unexpected survival of an ancient lineage of anseriform birds into the Neogene of Australia: the youngest record of Presbyornithidae.

Presbyornithids were the dominant birds in Palaeogene lacustrine assemblages, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, but are thought to have disappeared worldwide by the mid-Eocene. Now classified within Anseriformes (screamers, ducks, swans and geese), their relationships have long been obscured by their strange wader-like skeletal morphology. Reassessment of the late Oligocene South Australian material attributed to Wilaru tedfordi, long considered to be of a stone-curlew (Burhinidae, Charadriiformes), reveals that this taxon represents the first record of a presbyornithid in Australia. We also describe the larger Wilaru prideauxi sp. nov. from the early Miocene of South Australia, showing that presbyornithids survived in Australia at least until ca 22 Ma. Unlike on other continents, where presbyornithids were replaced by aquatic crown-group anatids (ducks, swans and geese), species of Wilaru lived alongside these waterfowl in Australia. The morphology of the tarsometatarsus of these species indicates that, contrary to other presbyornithids, they were predominantly terrestrial birds, which probably contributed to their long-term survival in Australia. The morphological similarity between species of Wilaru and the Eocene South American presbyornithid Telmabates antiquus supports our hypothesis of a Gondwanan radiation during the evolutionary history of the Presbyornithidae. Teviornis gobiensis from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia is here also reassessed and confirmed as a presbyornithid. These findings underscore the temporal continuance of Australia's vertebrates and provide a new context in which the phylogeny and evolutionary history of presbyornithids can be examined.

Introduction

The survival of Australia’s iconic vertebrate fauna during much of the Cenozoic is tightly linked to the continent’s extended period of geographical isolation [1]. Lineages that were once widely distributed across the globe but have survived, or did survive until recently, as Australian endemic relicts include marsupials, monotremes, ceratodontid lungfish, meiolaniid turtles and madtsoiid snakes [1-4]. Within Aves, the flamingo-like palaelodids that were widespread worldwide during the Neogene prevailed in Australia until ca 1 Ma [5], and the monospecific endemic family-level taxa Pedionomidae (plains-wanderer) and Anseranatidae (magpie goose; also present in New Guinea) are relicts of lineages that extended outside of Australia in the past [6-8]. Avian fossils from mid-Cenozoic localities, such as those from the Etadunna Formation in South Australia and Riversleigh in northwestern Queensland, have additionally underscored the remarkable temporal continuance of Australia’s endemic birds (e.g. [7,9-11]).

Representatives of the extinct anseriform (screamers, swans, ducks and geese) family-level taxon Presbyornithidae are mostly known from the Palaeocene and early Eocene of the Americas, particularly North America [12-18] (see also [19]). More recently, they were also described from the Palaeocene and early Eocene of Mongolia [20], from where they were previously known [21,22], and were also reported from the early and early middle Eocene of the Canadian High Arctic [23]. The presence of late Eocene–early Oligocene presbyornithids in Europe [24,25] has been disputed, as these remains are considered to represent those of phoenicopteriform birds (flamingos and relatives) [19,26,27]. A Late Cretaceous (ca 72–66 Ma) presbyornithid, Teviornis gobiensis, was described based on a complete carpometacarpus and some other isolated wing elements [28], but its presbyornithid, and even anseriform, affinities have been challenged [29] (see §4.1).

Evidence of presbyornithids in Australia has not yet been established, although fossils of ‘early-diverging’ anseriforms were reported from early Eocene deposits of the Tingamarra Local Fauna [30]. Elzanowski & Boles [30] noted that a coracoid from the same fauna previously referred to the ‘Graculavidae’ (form-taxon, see [31]) by Boles [32] may be a presbyornithid. An abundance of late Oligocene and some early Miocene remains of a putative stone-curlew (Charadriiformes: Burhinidae) from northern South Australia was first reported by Tedford et al. [33] and followed by Rich [34] and Vickers-Rich [35]. The material was then formally described by Boles et al. [36] and attributed to a new genus and species, Wilaru tedfordi. In this contribution, we show that W. tedfordi was a representative of the Presbyornithidae. Additionally, we describe an early Miocene species of Wilaru, showing that presbyornithids survived in Australia ca 25 Ma after the youngest fossil record for them elsewhere. We also provide the first example of successive taxa in an avian lineage in the Australian Oligo-Miocene. The palaeobiological, phylogenetic and evolutionary implications of these findings are further discussed.

Material and methods

Anatomical terminology follows Baumel & Witmer [37]. Measurements are in millimetres and were rounded to the nearest 0.1. Institutional abbreviations: CM, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand; MV, Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australia; PIN, The Borissiak Paleontological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; SAM, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; USNM, National Museum of Natural History, Washington DC, USA.

Fossil comparative material

The following specimens of Presbyornis pervetus were examined at USNM: skull—USNM 299846, USNM 618166, USNM 618202; premaxilla—USNM 510082, USNM 299845 (six nose slab); mandible—USNM 299847, USNM 618169, USNM 618215; quadrate—USNM 498770; thoracic vertebrae—USNM 616555, USNM 616556, USNM 618205, USNM 618207; sternum—USNM 618212, USNM 618214; scapula—USNM 616557–60; coracoid—USNM 618183, USNM 616561–67 (four sternal and three omal parts); humerus—USNM 483163 (cast), USNM 616568, USNM 618204, USNM 618180; ulna—USNM 616569–74; carpometacarpus—USNM 618168, USNM 618226, USNM 618227; femur—USNM 618228–35; tibiotarsus—USNM 483165 (cast), USNM 618192–96, USNM 618236; tarsometatarsus—USNM 483166 (cast), USNM 618175–76, USNM 618177, USNM 618178, USNM 618213, USNM 618237; pelvis—USNM 618167, USNM 618172, USNM 618198. Casts of Presbyornis isoni were examined at USNM and PIN. The material attributed to T. gobiensis, as well as the holotype of Presbyornis mongoliensis and the collection of Presbyornis sp. specimens from the early Eocene of Mongolia [20] were examined at PIN. Telmabates antiquus was assessed based on casts at PIN, as well as the original description and images [13] and on Ericson’s diagnosis of the species [17]. Lithornithidae (Palaeognathae) were also considered for comparative purposes.

Extant comparative material

The following specimens were examined: Anhimidae: Anhima cornuta (MV B.12574; USNM 345208); Chauna chavaria (PIN Osteology collection 43-2-1); Chauna torquata (CM Av.21208). Anseranatidae: Anseranas semipalmata (SAM B.36790; USNM 621019). Anatidae: Anser caerulescens (SAM B36868); Biziura lobata (CM Av.7116); Cereopsis novaehollandiae (CM Av.21198; SAM B39638, 49165); Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos (CM Av.5217); Tadorna tadornoides (SAM B.39583; 39872); Tadorna variegata (CM Av.12424). Burhinidae: Burhinus grallarius (SAM B.48793; B.49554); Burhinus capensis (MV B.13648); Esacus magnirostris (SAM B.5052).

Fossil and living phoenicopteriforms (flamingos and allies) were also examined.

Remarks on the material previously attributed to Wilaru tedfordi by Boles et al.

Paratype humeri AMNH 11407 and AMNH 11406 of the type species W. tedfordi are part of the same bone and now joined. Coracoid AMNH 11414 is a left one, contra Boles et al. [36]. Right coracoid SAM P.23625 is now a paratype of a new species (see below) and is here removed from the referred material of W. tedfordi. Scapulae SAM P.48923 (fig. in [36]), AMNH 10990, AMNH 11434 and AMNH 11477 are here removed from the referred material of W. tedfordi, as they are attributable to the Palaelodidae (Phoenicopteriformes). The unnumbered piece of mid-shaft associated with ulna AMNH 11456 is of a carpometacarpus, not an ulna. Distal ulna AMNH 10995 (not listed in [36]) may be associated with the unnumbered proximal right ulna mentioned by Boles et al. as they were found in the same box. Carpometacarpus AMNH 11474 (distal left) and AMNH 10998 (proximal left) are part of the same bone. Right carpometacarpus missing proximal end AMNH 10999 and proximal left carpometacarpus SAM P.42004 are here added to the referred material of W. tedfordi. AMNH 10986 was erroneously listed as a proximal tibiotarsus, it is a distal end and belongs to Psittaciformes; the proximal tibiotarsus considered by Boles et al. is AMNH 11416 (we note that this bone was not formally referred to W. tedfordi, and we consider it to be Aves indet.). UCMP57152, a distal left tibiotarsus, is removed from the referred material as it is referrable to Australotadorna alecwilsoni. Two specimens, a distal right tibiotarsus (SAM P.53134), from SAM North Locality, Lake Palankarinna, and a distal left tibiotarsus (SAM P.53135) from White Sands Basin, Lake Palankarinna, are here added to the referred material. The accompanying fragment of the left tarsometatarsus SAM P.48931 is a right proximal tarsometatarsus, not a left one.

Systematic palaeontology

Order Anseriformes Wagler, 1831

Family Presbyornithidae Wetmore, 1926

In his revision of the New World fossil record of the Presbyornithidae, Ericson [17] recognized four species, Telmabates antiquus Howard, 1955 [13] from the early Eocene of southern South America (Chubut, Argentina), and three from the late Palaeocene to early Eocene of North America: Presbyornis pervetusWetmore, 1926 [12], Presbyornis isoni Olson, 1994 [14] and Presbyornis recurvirostra(Hardy, 1959 [38]). Two species were later described from Mongolia: the Late Cretaceous Teviornis gobiensis Kurochkin, Dyke, & Karhu [28], and the early Eocene Presbyornis mongoliensis Kurochkin & Dyke [20].

Attribution of Wilaru tedfordi to the Presbyornithidae

Wilaru tedfordi Boles, Finch, Hofheins, Vickers-Rich, Walters, & Rich [36] is here assigned to the Presbyornithidae based on the following features of the holotype (a left humerus SAM P48925, formerly AMNH 11442; figure 1a,b) and paratypes (all humeri; figure 1c,d), which, combined, are not present in any extant charadriiform lineage, and are characteristic of presbyornithids (most characters are based on [13,17]): (1) humerus elongated in relation to the width of its proximal and distal ends, with a straight shaft in caudal and cranial views (figure 1a,b); (2) fossa pneumotricipitalis deep, non-pneumatic, and dorsoventrally very wide (figure 1b,c); (3) fossa pneumotricipitalis dorsalis absent (contra [36]); (4) crus dorsale fossae continuous (or nearly continuous) with margo caudalis (figure 1b,c; see §3.2.1); (5) crus dorsale fossae transverse and delimiting distally a deep fossa in the incisura capitis (figure 1b,c; this feature was not mentioned in [17]); (6) well-marked and elongated insertion scar for m. scapulohumeralis cranialis (figure 1b); (7) scar for m. latissimus dorsi caudalis elongated, ending distally at point of junction of crista deltopectoralis and corpus humeri (figure 1c); (8) tuberculum dorsale wider than long, markedly elevated above surface beside it (figure 1c); (9) impressio coracobrachialis shallow (but rounded and large; figure 1a); (10) sulcus lig. transversus restricted to ventral portion of humerus (i.e. not extending dorsally, figure 1a; character after [36]); (11) sulcus n. coracobrachialis absent; (12) crista deltopectoralis long, with more than half of its length distal of crista bicipitalis (figure 1a,b); (13) sulcus scapulotricipitalis indistinct (figure 1b); (14) impressio m. pronator superficialis and attachment surface for lig. collaterale ventrale adjacent (figure 1d, see amended diagnosis below); (15) tuberculum supracondylare dorsale poorly developed (figure 1d).

Figure 1.

Postcranial elements of Wilaru tedfordi (a–d,g,k–m,q,s–w) and W. prideauxi sp. nov. (i,j) from the late Oligocene and early Miocene of Australia in comparison to Presbyornis pervetus (e,f,h,n–p,r,x) from the early Eocene of North America. (a,b) Left humerus of W. tedfordi (holotype SAM P.48925) in cranial and caudal views; (c) proximal left humerus (paratype AMNH 1151) of W. tedfordi in caudal view; (d) distal left humerus (paratype AMNH 11452) of W. tedfordiin caudal view. (e) Proximal left and distal left, (f) humerus of P. pervetus in caudal (USNM 618204) and cranial (USNM 618180) views, respectively. (g) Right scapula (AMNH 10989) of W. tedfordi in lateral view; (h) left scapula of P. pervetus (USNM 618223) in medial view. (i,j) Right coracoid of W. prideauxi sp. nov (paratype SAM P.23625) in dorsal and ventral views. (k) Left coracoid (AMNH 11426) of W. tedfordi in ventral view; (l,m) left coracoid, omal extremity (AMNH 11473) of W. tedfordi in dorsal and medial views. (n,o,p) Left coracoid of P. pervetus in ventral (USNM 618183), dorsomedial (USNM 616565) and medial (USNM 616565) views. (q) Left femur (AMNH 11439) of W. tedfordi in cranial view; (r) right femur of P. pervetus (USNM 618228) in cranial view. (s,t) Left distal femur (AMNH 11444) of W. tedfordi in caudal and cranial views. (u) Left distal (AMNH 10995) and (v) right proximal (AMNH 11457) ulna of W. tedfordi in caudal and ventral views. (w) Distal right tibiotarsus (AMNH 11440) of W. tedfordi in cranial view. (x) Distal right tibiotarsus of P. pervetus (USNM 618236) in cranial view. Abbreviations: acr, acromion; aicd, impressio ansae m. iliofibularis, pars caudalis; aicr, impressio ansae m. iliofibularis, pars cranialis; cbc, crista bicipitalis; cdf, crus dorsale fossae; cdl, condylus lateralis; cdm, condylus medialis; cdp, crista deltopectoralis; cs, cotyla scapularis; ctd, cotyla dorsalis; dep, depression; epm, epicondylus medialis; fac, facies articularis clavicularis; fah, facies articularis humeralis; fic, fossa at incisura capitis; flcv, facet for lig. collat. ventrale; fmb, fossa m. brachialis; fns, foramen nervi supracoracoidei; fpt, fossa pneumotricipitalis; ftr, fossa trochanteris; ibr, impressio brachialis; ic, incisura capitis; icb, impressio coracobrachialis; ila, impressio lig. acrocoracohumeralis; int, incisura tendinosa; ir, incisura radialis; isc, impressio m. sternocoracoidei; ldc, scar for m. latissimus dorsi caudalis; lic, linea intermuscularis cranialis; ltr, lateral tuberositas retinaculi extensoris; mc, margo caudalis; mps, scar for m. pronator superficialis; nfo, nutrient foramen; not, notch; pcd, processus cotylaris dorsalis; pfl, processus flexorius; ppc, processus procoracoideus; rid, ridge; sct, sulcus scapulotricipitalis; shc, scar for m. scapulohumeralis cranialis; slt, sulcus lig. transversus; smf, sulcus m. fibularis; ssc, sulcus m. supracoracoidei; tbd, tuberculum dorsale; tc, tuberculum carpale; tfb, trochlea fibularis; tgl, tuberculum m. gastrocnemialis lateralis; tgm, tuberculum m. gastrocnemialis medialis; tlcv, tuberculum lig. collateralis ventrale; tsd, tuberculum supracondylare ventrale; tvc, tuberculum coracoideum; vf, ventral fossa. Scale bar is 10 mm. (c–f,l–m,o–p,u–x) not to scale.

Boles et al. [36] assigned W. tedfordi to Burhinidae based on characters (2), (9) and (15). We note that the fossa pneumotricipitalis in burhinids is not as dorsoventrally wide as that of presbyornithids (character 2), and that the tuberculum supracondylare dorsale is better developed in burhinids, as noted in [36] (character 15). Among the characters here presented, Boles et al. also noted that W. tedfordi differs from burhinids in (1, shaft not straight in burhinids), (4), (5) and (10), and we further note that they differ in (6), (7), (8), (11) and (13). Contra Boles et al. [36], a crus dorsale fossae is present, and a fossa pneumotricipitalis dorsalis is absent.

Our attribution of the referred material (coracoids, scapulae, ulnae, carpometacarpi, femora, tibiotarsi and tarsometatarsi) of W. tedfordi to the Presbyornithidae is based on Ericson’s [17] diagnosis for the family and our observations (see §§i and i).

Remarks on charadriiform affinities

The skeletal morphology of burhinids is possibly derived within Charadriiformes [39], and some of the features mentioned by Boles et al. [36] do occur in burhinids but not in most other charadriiforms. A similarity between the postcranial skeleton of presbyornithids and burhinids had been noted in the past (e.g. [40]). The ecological disparity within Charadriiformes has resulted in a wide array of morphological variation, although it is unlikely that burhinids represent the ancestral charadriiform morphology [41,42]. Presbyornithids have been linked, primarily based on postcranial morphology, to both flamingos (Phoenicopteriformes) and shorebirds (Charadriiformes) (e.g. [13,43]). The type species P. pervetus was originally considered to be a recurvirostrid [12] and it was not until the mid-1970s when additional cranial material was assessed that anseriform affinities were proposed [24,40,44] (see [19] for a review).

Genus Wilaru Boles, Finch, Hofheins, Vickers-rich, Walters, & Rich, 2013

Type species: Wilaru tedfordiBoles, Finch, Hofheins, Vickers-Rich, Walters, & Rich, 2013

Type locality and age:Lake Pinpa (=Pine Lake), Site C, South Australia; Namba Formation, late Oligocene (24–26 Ma).

Amended diagnosis

We here focus on features that differentiate presbyornithid genus-level taxa. Most presbyornithid characters mentioned by Howard [13] and Ericson [17] are not repeated here but newly defined or identified features are. Apart from those mentioned above for Presbyornithidae, Wilaru is further characterized by the following combination of features:

Humerus with (1) dorsal crus continuous with margo caudalis (figure 1c; as in Telmabates); (2) incisura capitis undercuts caput humeri and tuberculum ventrale (figure 1c; as in Telmabates, only caput humeri in Presbyornis); (3) fossa m. brachialis diagonally oriented, elongated and ovoid (more elongate in Wilaru compared to Presbyornis; figure 1d,f); (4) processus flexorius protruding ventrally (figure 1d; less pronounced than in Presbyornis, figure 1f); (5) scars of m. pronator superficialis and lig. collaterale ventrale adjacent, and reaching to about same level proximally (figure 1d; as in Telmabates, impressio m. pronator superficialis reaches farther proximally in Presbyornis, figure 1f); (6) position of tuberculum supracondylare dorsale craniocaudally more distal in relation to tuberculum supracondylare ventrale (tuberculum supracondylare dorsale extends proximally of tuberculum supracondylare ventrale in Presbyornis); (7) size of m. pronator superficialis attachment only slightly smaller than that of the lig. collaterale ventrale (much smaller in Presbyornis; figure 1d,f).

Coracoid (8) overall stouter and more robust compared to other presbyornithids (varies within species of Wilaru, figure 1i–k; see below); (9) with processus procoracoideus short with rugose tip for ligamental attachment (figure 1k), and lacking pronounced mediocranial projection (processus procoracoideus long in Presbyornis, figure 1n); (10) with ventral fossa in sulcus m. supracoracoidei absent (figure 1p; present in Presbyornis, but shallow in Telmabates); (11) with transverse linear ridges within the impressio sternocoracoidei (figure 1i; as in all presbyornithids).

Scapula with (12) elongated and pointed acromion (figure 1g, as in Presbyornis, figure 1h, less so in Telmabates); (13) facies articularis clavicularis forms sharp crest projecting laterally from acromion (figure 1g); (14) facies articularis humeralis only slightly longer than deep (i.e. round) and slightly concave (figure 1g); (15) base of acromion markedly separated from tuberculum coracoideum (figure 1g, as in Telmabates, softer transition, i.e. broader base, in Presbyornis; figure 1h).

Ulna with (16) pronounced notch in cranial view, between cotyla ventralis and tuberculum ligamenti collateralis ventralis (figure 1v; not mentioned in [38], as in presbyornithids); (17) tuberculum ligamenti collateralis ventralis elongated and convex ventrally (figure 1v; as in all anseriforms); (18) impressio brachialis very deep (figure 1v); (19) cotyla dorsalis with processus cotylaris dorsalis short and draped on cranial facies with dorsodistal margin continuing as a ridge to ligamental insertions that distally close the incisura radialis (figure 1v; more elongate and with ligament insertion scars in incisura radialis less marked in Presbyornis); (20) tuberculum carpale (figure 1u) well developed with flattened ventral margin (as in Presbyornis) but elongated in proximodistal direction (as in Telmabates); (21) depressio radialis poorly marked (as in Telmabates); (22) well-marked tendinal pit but incisura tendinosa very short, marked by short ridge dorsally (figure 1u; as in presbyornithids); (23) contour of condylus dorsalis in ventral view meets shaft at gradual angle (figure 1u; as in Telmabates, whereas it does so abruptly in Presbyornis).

Carpometacarpus with (24) trochlea carpalis relatively short ending level with distal side of processus pisiformis, as seen in ventral view (figure 2d); (25) area immediately cranial of processus pisiformis shallowly excavated (figure 2d; as in Telmabates, deeper in Presbyornis, figure 2h); (26) both rims of the trochlea carpalis extend caudally (figure 2j–m) and distally (figure 2n,o) to about same level (as in Telmabates); (27) sulcus tendineus (dorsal aspect) extends nearly to the synostosis metacarpalis proximalis, just about to distal end of the insertions scar of m. extensor metacarpi ulnaris (flexor attachment) (figure 2c,i; as in all presbyornithids); (28) processus extensorius with proximal margin straight, at right angles to long axis, and elongate cranially (figure 2a–d; as in Telmabates, shorter and more proximally oriented in Presbyornis, figure 2e,i); (29) synostosis metacarpalis proximalis longer than it is craniocaudally wide (figure 2d); (30) synostosis metacarpalis distalis relatively short (figure 2d, as in Telmabates; longer in Presbyornis, figure 2e); (31) facies articularis digitalis minor considerably smaller than facies articularis digitalis major in distal view (as in Telmabates; contrary to Presbyornis [17]).

Figure 2.

Postcranial elements of Wilaru tedfordi (c,d,k,p,s,u,x,a′) and W. prideauxi sp. nov. (a,b,j,q,r,b) from the late Oligocene and early Miocene of Australia in comparison to Presbyornis pervetus (e,h,i,l,n,t,w,z,d′) from the early Eocene of North America, T. gobiensis from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia (f,g,m,o), and the extant anhimid Chauna torquata (v,y,c′). (a,b,j) Left carpometacarpus (paratype SAM P.41255) of W. prideauxi in dorsal, ventral and proximal views. (c,d,k) Left carpometacarpus (AMNH 11432) of W. tedfordi in dorsal, ventral and proximal views. (e) Left carpometacarpus of P. pervetus(USNM 618168). (f,g,m,o) Right carpometacarpus (reversed; PIN 44991-1) of T. gobiensis in ventral, dorsal, proximal and caudal views. (h,l,n) Right carpometacarpus of P. pervetus (USNM 618227) in ventral, proximal and caudal views (l has been reversed). (i) Left proximal carpometacarpus of P. pervetus (USNM 618226) in dorsal view. (p,s,a), right tarsometatarsus (AMNH 11413) of W. tedfordi in dorsal, proximal plantar and proximal views. (q,r,b′) Right tarsometatarsus (holotype SAM P.53136) of W. prideauxi in dorsal, plantar and proximal views. (t,d′) Proximal right tarsometatarsus of P. pervetus (USNM 618178) in dorsal and proximal views. (u,x) Distal left tarsometatarsus (AMNH 10980) in dorsal and plantar views. (v,x,c′) Right tarsometatarsus (CM Av.21208; V and Y reversed) of C. torquata in dorsal, plantar and proximal views. (w,z) Distal right (reversed) tarsometatarsus of P. pervetus (USNM 618213) in dorsal and plantar views. cih, crista(e) intermedia(e) hypotarsi; dtc, dorsal rim of trochlea carpalis; eic, eminentia intercotylaris; fami, facies articularis digitalis minor; fama, facies articularis digitalis major; fccr, fovea carpalis cranialis; fit, fossa infratrochlearis; fmI, fossa metatarsi I; fvd, foramen vasculare distale; iil, incisura intertrochlearis lateralis; iim, incisura intertrochlearis medialis; led, ledge; mtc, tuberositas m. tibialis cranialis; pex, processus extensorius; ppi, processus pisiformis; rls, rounded ligamental scar; sex, sulcus extensorius; smd, synostosis metacarpalis distalis; smp, synostosis metacarpalis proximalis; st, sulcus tendineus; tcp, trochlea carpalis; tmII, trochlea metatarsi II; tmIII, trochlea metatarsi III; tmIV, trochlea metatarsi IV; vtc, ventral rim of trochlea carpalis. Scale bar is 10 mm. (h–o, s–d′) Not to scale. Note that the carpometacarpi of P. pervetus vary greatly in size (from Wilaru-sized to as shown [17]).

Femur with (32) fossa trochanteris present (figure 1q); (33) pretrochanteric surface deeply concave (as in presbyornithids); (34) linea intermuscularis cranialis very prominent and separated from lateral margin of crista trochanteris (figure 1q; hardly distinguishable from crista trochanteris in Presbyornis, figure 1r); (35) round and papilla-like tuberculum m. gastrocnemialis lateralis with pars medialis situated medial to it on edge of fossa poplitea (figure 1s; as in Telmabates; tuberculum proximodistally elongate and less elevated in Presbyornis); (36) impressio ansae m. iliofibularis caudalis on lateral facies (figure 1s), distal to tuberculum m. gastrocnemialis lateralis, large and well marked with pit at distal margin (less marked in Presbyornis); (37) ansae m. iliofibularis cranialis prominent on craniolateral margin (figure 1t); (38) trochlea fibularis in caudal aspect relatively wide (figure 1s; as in Telmabates; smaller in Presbyornis).

Tibiotarsus with (39) epicondylus medialis well developed and medially prominent (figure 1w; as in Telmabates; less developed in Presbyornis); (40) lateral tuberositas retinaculi extensoris long (figure 1w); (41) well-marked depressio epicondylaris medialis (as in Telmabates; less so in Presbyornis); (42) well-marked sulcus m. fibularis opening laterocranially (unlike in all other anseriforms including P. pervetus, in which the sulcus faces entirely cranially) and continuing to the most distal part of the tuberositas retinaculi extensoris lateralis (figure 1w; as in Telmabates; sulcus ends more proximal in Presbyornis, figure 1x); (43) a nutrient foramen located distal to the sulcus m. fibularis and proximolateral of condylus lateralis (figure 1w,x; as in presbyornithids); (44) condylus medialis in cranial view much smaller than condylus lateralis (figure 1w,x; as in all presbyornithids).

Tarsometatarsus with (45) insertion areas for m. tibialis cranialis fused, with a distal (neuro-) vascular opening (figure 2q; two adjacent insertions and no distal opening in Presbyornis, figure 2t); (46) trochleae metatarsorum mediolaterally widely splayed, with trochlea metatarsi IV and II diverging markedly laterally and medially, respectively, from the shaft (figure 2u; trochleae little splayed in Presbyornis, figure 2w); (47) trochlea metatarsi II slightly shorter than trochlea metatarsi IV (figure 2u; in P. pervetus markedly retracted proximally and ending level with the intertrochlear notch, figure 2z); (48) fossa metatarsi I short and shallow (figure 2r,x; better marked in Presbyornis and Telmabates, figure 2z); (49) lateral margin of trochlea metatarsi IV diverging from shaft and then abruptly turning distally, displaying a sharp angle (figure 2u, as in Telmabates and Presbyornis, figure 2w); (50) trochlea metatarsi II lacking groove (figure 2w, as in presbyornithids). Note: tarsometatarsi of T. antiquus are only poorly preserved and not much detail can be inferred [13,17].

Wilaru prideauxi sp. nov.

Holotype: Right tarsometatarsus SAM P.53136 (formerly UCMP 108052) (figure 2q,r,b′).

Type locality and age: Leaf Locality, Lake Ngapakaldi, South Australia (UCMP locality V6213); Wipajiri Formation; Kutjamarpu Local Fauna; ca 23.4–22 Ma [45,46].

Etymology: After vertebrate palaeontologist Gavin Prideaux (1969–), who has worked extensively on Oligo-Miocene mammalian faunas from South Australia, including the formations bearing fossils of species of Wilaru.

Paratypes: Right coracoid SAM P.23625 (figure 1i,j), Mammalon Hill, Lake Palankarinna, South Australia; Etadunna Formation Zone D; Ngama Local Fauna; ca 22 Ma [45]. Left carpometacarpus SAM P.41255 (figure 2a,b), Mammalon Hill, Lake Palankarinna, South Australia.

Measurements (mm): Coracoid: medial length: 38.9; length from angulus medialis to proc. procoracoideus: 24.7; length from cotyla scapularis to processus acrocoracoideus: 19.6; maximum omal length of sulcus m. supracoracoideus: 11.1 (shorter in Phoenicopteriformes); depth of facies articularis clavicularis: 8.8; length of facies articularis humeralis: 12.8. Carpometacarpus (table 1). Tarsometatarsus: maximum length: 65.9; proximal width: 12.7; shaft width (mid-shaft): 4.7; shaft depth: 4.7; width of trochlea metatarsi III: 4.9; depth of trochlea metatarsi III: 6.9.

Table 1.

Measurements of the carpometacarpi of W. tedfordi and W. prideauxi sp. nov.†. The distal width is measured across the articular surfaces (facies articularis digitalis major and facies articularis digitalis minor). Some specimens (italics), which tend to be only slightly larger than the rest, display a conspicuous, rugose, cranial enlargement on the processus extensorius (estimated in proximal width) (figure 2c,d,k). The presence of a well-developed carpal knob in some but not other specimens may indicate both age and sex differences. Those with a much elongated extensor process are likely to be males (§4.2).

			width of
	maximum	proximal	proximal	distal	distal
	length	width	synostosis	width	depth
AMNH 11432	54.2	15.2	5.7	6.8	5.1
AMNH 11401	—	12.7	5.6	—	—
AMNH 10998	49.7	13.1	5.5	5.4	5.1
AMNH 11462	—	13.70	5.7	—	—
AMNH 11448	54.8	15.3	5.7	—	—
SAM P.48928	50.9	13.1	5.5	6.8	5.5
AMNH 11460	52.1	12.6	5.4	7.1	—
AMNH 11467	53.8	13.7	—	7.0	5.6
AMNH 10962	—	13.7	5.6	—	5.5
SAM P.42004	—	14.3a	6.2	—	—
SAM P.41255†	56.3	13.9	6.4	7.4	5.9

aSpecimen SAM P.42004 is overall worn and has a slightly broken trochlea carpalis so its proximal width is likely to have been greater. The processus extensorius is nevertheless well developed.

Differential diagnosis:Only slightly larger than W. tedfordi but considerably stouter (figure 1i–j; figure 2a,b,q,r). Differs from W. tedfordi in: tarsometatarsus with (i) sulcus extensorius shallower (figure 2q); (ii) plantarly, rounded ligamental scar between trochleae metatarsi II and IV deeper and closer to foramen vasculare distale (figure 2r); (iii) fossa metatarsi nearly absent (figure 2r). Carpometacarpus with (iv) synostosis metacarpalis distalis proximodistally shorter (figure 2a,b); (v) facies articularis digitalis minor projecting further distally (figure 2b).

Description and comparisons

Coracoid. As in all presbyornithids, a small foramen nervi supracoracoidei nearly adjacent to the cotyla scapularis is present (figure 1i,l,o), the impressio lig. acrocoracohumeralis is distinctly excavated on its medial side (figure 1i,l,o), there is an elongated depression for a ligamental attachment on the ventral side of the brachial tuberosity (figure 1j,l,o), and the cotyla scapularis is round and very deep (figure 1i,l,o). In P. pervetus, the facies articularis clavicularis markedly overhangs the shaft ventrally and encloses therein a distinct fossa ventral to the sulcus m. supracoracoidei (figure 1p). This fossa is absent in species of Wilaru (figure 1m). It is also absent in some of the Eocene presbyornithid specimens from Mongolia [20], and may only be very shallow in T. antiquus[13]. As in presbyornithids, the sulcus m. supracoracoidei is excavated under the dorsal part of the facies articularis clavicularis (figure 1o,p). The ventral shaft margin of the sulcus is thickened and rounded, ventrally a ridge is also present but contrary to species of Presbyornis, it overlaps the ventral profile in medial view (figure 1m). Transverse linear ridges within the impressio sternocoracoidei are present (figure 1i), as in W. tedfordi and all Anseriformes. As in W. tedfordi and T. antiquus, the ventral surface of the sternal end lacks the depression that is observed in species of Presbyornis(figure 1n).

The coracoid of W. prideauxi is stouter than that of W. tedfordi(cf. figure 1i,j with figure 1k), which in turn is only slightly stouter than that of P. pervetus (figure 1n). Presbyornithids are characterized by having the neck of the shaft narrow [17], whereas it is much broader in the superficially similar phoenicopteriforms (flamingos and palaelodids). Similar to species of Presbyornis, Palaelodus ambiguus bears a distinct fossa ventral to the sulcus m. supracoracoidei, which, as noted, is absent in species of Wilaru. Palaelodids are further distinguished from species of Wilaru by having a cranially directed processus procoracoideus (right angles to axis in Wilaru), a foramen n. supracoracoidei that is closer to the margin of the cotyla scapularis, and a much smaller impressio sternocoracoidei restricted to the sternal third of the length from the cotyla scapularis.

Carpometacarpus. The bone (figure 2a,b) is overall more robust than that of W. tedfordi (figure 2c,d), but many features are worn. The area immediately cranial of the processus pisiformis is shallowly excavated and the fossa infratrochlearis is shallow and limited to the area proximal of the processus pisiformis (figure 2c). In P. pervetus there is a proximally directed ledge separating the processus extensorius from the fossa infratrochlearis, which extends caudally past the processus pisiformis (figure 2h). The fovea carpalis cranialis is deeper in P. pervetus (figure 2l) than in species of Wilaru (figure 2j,k). As in W. tedfordi and P. pervetus, both facies of the trochlea carpalis are smaller than in the Cretaceous T. gobiensis, in which they extend more cranially (figure 2f,g). As in all presbyornithids, caudally the dorsal and ventral rims of the trochlea carpalis have equal distal extension (figure 2j–m), and the sulcus tendineus is elongate, proximally nearly reaching the scar for the insertion of m. extensor carpi ulnaris (figure 2c,i). The sulcus tendineus is also particularly elongated in T. gobiensis and screamers (Anhimidae), whereas it is somewhat intermediate in length between these taxa and anatids (ducks, geese and swans) in the magpie goose Anseranas semipalmata.

The synostosis metacarpalis distalis (figure 2a,b) is relatively shorter than that of W. tedfordi, being considerably longer in P. pervetus(figure 2e). The facies articularis digitalis minor has equal distal extent to the facies articularis digitalis major and so it projects further distally (figure 2b) than in W. tedfordi(figure 2d). In W. tedfordi and T. antiquus, the facies articularis digitalis minor ends slightly proximally of the facies articularis digitalis major (figure 2c,d). Further detail of the distal end is obscured by wear but does not seem to differ from that of W. tedfordi.

Tarsometatarsus. The proportions of the tarsometatarsus of species of Wilaru[36] differ greatly from those of P. pervetus in being much shorter and stouter [12]. The length of the tarsometatarsus is, however, not known for other species of presbyornithids. Within anseriforms, the tarsometatarsus of species of Wilaru most closely resembles that of anhimids, which they resemble in overall relative proportions (figure 2q,r), morphology of the hypotarsus (figure 2a′,b′,d′) and configuration of the distal trochleae (figure 2u–y).

At least one sulcus hypotarsi is present in species of Wilaru; the crista medialis hypotarsi is missing from specimens of both W. tedfordi and W. prideauxi(figure 2a′,b′). The hypotarsus is overall reduced compared to that of P. pervetus(figure 2c′), which has four hypotarsal ridges (as does T. antiquus [13]), with the crista medialis hypotarsi being well marked and the other three cristae less so. In species of Wilaru, other than the missing crista medialis hypotarsi, there is one well-marked crista intermedia hypotarsi (figure 2s) and the rest have been reduced to a flat embossment in the lateral portion of the hypotarsus. A similar condition can be observed the anhimid C. torquata, although in A. cornuta the large crista medialis hypotarsi is separated from a much smaller crista lateralis hypotarsi by two very low cristae intermediae hypotarsi which altogether form a triangular hypotarsus. As in P. pervetus, the cristae lateral to the medial crest are of similar small size and reach equally distally (figure 2s). The eminentia intercotylaris is not especially prominent proximally in species of Wilaru, but it is more prominent dorsally (figure 2p,q,a′). The mid-shaft depth equals its width in W. prideauxi, whereas in W. tedfordi its width slightly exceeds its depth.

At the distal end, the trochlea metatarsi II is lacking so it is not known whether a medial groove was present. Within Anseriformes, this groove is absent in presbyornithids (including W. tedfordi, figure 2u), anhimids (figure 2v), and anseranatids (magpie goose). In P. pervetus (figure 2w,z) and P. mongoliensis, the trochleae are more narrowly splayed than they are in species of Wilaru, where their divergence is similar to that of anhimids (figure 2v) or A. semipalmata. The incisura intertrochlearis medialis and the incisura intertrochlearis lateralis extend equally proximally in species of Wilaru, whereas in both anhimids and A. semipalmata the medial notch is shallower proximally (figure 2v). Therefore, trochlea metatarsi II has less distal extent than trochlea metatarsi IV (figure 2u). In W. tedfordi, the trochlea metatarsi II is only slightly retracted plantarly so in distal view, most of its depth overlaps the trochlea metatarsi III, and thus is less retracted than in anhimids and A. semipalmata but similar to the terrestrial Cape Barren goose C. novaehollandiae. The fossa metatarsi I is barely perceptible in W. prideauxi(figure 2r), but it is better marked in W. tedfordi(figure 2x), in which it is situated much lower compared with P. pervetus(figure 2z).

Results and discussion

Crown-group Anseriformes comprise three extant family-level taxa: the South American screamers (Anhimidae), the magpie goose (Anseranatidae) of Australia and New Guinea, and the cosmopolitan Anatidae (ducks, swans and geese). A sister group relationship between Anhimidae and the clade (Anseranatidae + Anatidae) is supported by molecular and morphological evidence (e.g. [47,48]). Presbyornithids have been recovered as the sister taxon to Anatidae in cladistic analyses [40,47], but the character evidence supporting this relationship is weak [19]. These studies have been primarily based on the morphology of P. pervetus, and the possibility that some features of this taxon are derived within Presbyornithidae [19] has not been fully explored. Some of the similarities of species of Wilaru (and T. antiquus) to anhimids provide a new context in which the palaeobiology and evolutionary history of presbyornithids can be examined.

Teviornis gobiensis, a Cretaceous presbyornithid

Teviornis gobiensis, known primarily from its carpometacarpus (figure 2f,g,m,o), was attributed to the Anseriformes mainly based on its straight os metacarpale minus, and to the Presbyornithidae based on (i) the caudal part of the dorsal rim of the trochlea carpalis being well developed and connecting with the dorsal edge of the os metacarpale majus, (ii) the presence of well-developed scars for lig. ulnocarpometacarpale dorsale (fossa supratrochlearis) and lig. radiocarpometacarpale dorsale (fossa infratrochlearis), and (iii) the presence of a small canalis interosseus distalis in the fossa infratrochlearis [28]. Clarke & Norell [29] challenged presbyornithid, and even anseriform affinities of T. gobiensis, noting that of the diagnostic characters listed a straight minor metacarpal may be a plesiomorphic feature of Neornithes, that features (ii) and (iii) are present in other anseriforms, and (i) is also present in anhimids. Clarke and Norell did not, however, consider all the distinguishing features mentioned in the description. A recent study [49] supported anseriform affinities of this taxon, noting marked differences from other taxa with a non-curved carpometacarpus (e.g. Gallinuloididae, Lithornithidae). Additional features confirm the identity of T. gobiensis as a presbyornithid, namely (iv) the dorsal and ventral rims of the trochlea carpalis extend caudally and distally to about same level, (v) the sulcus tendineus is very elongate, extending just about to the distal end of the scar for M. extensor carpi ulnaris, (vi) in distal view, the facies articularis digitalis minor is considerably smaller than the facies articularis digitalis major (as in Wilaru and Telmabates), and (vii) the synostosis metacarpalis proximalis is longer than it is craniocaudally wide. Within anseriforms, feature (iv) is present only in presbyornithids, (v) in presbyornithids and anhimids, (vii) is present in presbyornithids, anhimids, anseranatids, and only few anatids, whereas (vi) is widely distributed within Anseriformes but the alternate condition is present in P. pervetus.

Kurochkin et al. [28] noted that T. gobiensis differed from other presbyornithids in having a fossa infratrochlearis stretched markedly craniocaudally. A shallow, craniocaudally elongated fossa is nonetheless also present in species of Wilaru (figure 2d). Similarly, the dorsoventrally and craniocaudally widened proximal portion of the os metacarpale minus are present in species of Wilaru but also in anhimids and other anseriforms, suggesting they could be plesiomorphic features for Presbyornithidae that are absent in P. pervetus. T. gobiensis, therefore, displays a combination of features of the carpometacarpus present uniquely in presbyornithid genus-level taxa.

Palaeobiology of species of Wilaru: terrestrial and territorial

The cranially elongated extensor process of the carpometacarpus of some specimens of W. tedfordi forms a conspicuous rugose enlargement (figure 2c,d,k), known as a carpal knob or spur. Carpal knobs are projecting bony cores used primarily in fighting, which in some taxa may have an outer layer of horn [50] but can be bare in others [51]. These rugose structures arise from the deposition of bone on the extensor process, to which they are fused. Carpal knobs and spurs occur in several anseriforms [51], most notably in steamer ducks [52] and anhimids [50]. Within anseriform species that bear them, they are better developed in males, but are still present in females [50]. Well-developed carpal knobs, similar to those of the male paradise shelduck T. variegata, were present in three specimens of our sample, which were also slightly larger compared to the rest (table 1). Both sexual dimorphism and age probably explain these differences [51]. Some of the specimens with the less protruding extensor process still displayed a form of rugose enlargement. From this we infer that, following the pattern in other anseriforms, those individuals of W. tedfordi with the well-developed carpal knobs are males. Anseriform species that bear prominent structures tend to engage in aggressive behaviour and hold year-round feeding and breeding territories [51]. The lack of well-developed carpal knobs in most of the specimens in our sample suggests that predominantly males may have engaged in aggressive behaviour. Howard [13] observed a ‘slight excrescence’ on the tip of the extensor process of T. antiquus, and illustrations clearly show [13], fig. 6, p. 16, a small carpal knob. This structure is not present in P. pervetus or the Presbyornis specimens from the Eocene of Mongolia [20], which closely resemble each other.

Compared with other presbyornithids, the morphology of the tarsometatarsus, with mediolaterally splayed trochleae for the articulation of the toes, a less plantarly retracted trochlea for the second digit, and a relatively low hallux, suggests that species of Wilaru were more terrestrial. Screamers, which have a similar tarsometatarsal morphology, are birds of predominantly terrestrial habits, frequenting open savannahs and wetlands (meadowlands, marshes, swamps and lakes with abundant vegetation) [53]. The tarsometatarsus is proportionally longer and more gracile in P. pervetus, in which the narrowly divergent trochleae and the markedly retracted trochlea for the second digit indicate more aquatic adaptations, as in most anseriforms (e.g. [17,44]). The length and most detail of the tarsometatarsus are not known for T. antiquus, but it appears to have resembled that of P. pervetus [17].

Terrestrial habits have evolved independently several times within Anseriformes [54,55], and even possibly within screamers [17,44] (§4.3). The terrestrial habits of species of Wilaru may, therefore, reflect a trophic specialization (such as herbivory) derived within Presbyornithidae. These differences are not surprising given the apparent temporal separation of ca 25 Ma between species of Wilaru and other presbyornithids, and may have been the key to the longevity of the presbyornithid lineage in Australia (§4.3).

The younger, larger and more robust W. prideauxi represents a further step from the morphology of W. tedfordi down the path of terrestriality. As such, species of Wilaru provide the first example for Australia of two successive species within an avian lineage in the Oligo-Miocene. Multiple lineages of mammals are known over this time period in the Namba and Etadunna Formations in Australia and form the foundation of the biochronological understanding of the different faunas [1,56]. The occurrence of W. prideauxi in the Ngama Local Fauna from Zone D of the Etadunna Formation at Lake Palankarinna, and in the Kutjamarpu Local Fauna from the Wipajiri Formation at Lake Ngapakaldi, South Australia, provides further evidence of the contemporaneity of these local faunas, otherwise linked by mammals, and supports their early Miocene age and distinction from underlying Etadunnan faunal zones [1].

The role of Gondwana and the evolutionary history of Wilaru

Several species of anatids were described from late Oligocene and early Miocene deposits of the Namba and Etadunna formations in South Australia [57], supporting an already established diversity of crown-group anatids by the late Oligocene. Having been recovered from the same late Oligocene and early Miocene localities, the survival of presbyornithids in Australia into the Neogene indicates they were living alongside crown-group anatids. Presbyornithids seem to have disappeared from the rest of the world during the Eocene [19], coinciding with the earliest records of stem group anatids. However, the more terrestrial adaptations of species of Wilaru suggest that in Australia, they may not have been in direct resource competition with coeval waterfowl. Similarly, at least two palaelodids and two species of flamingo cornered the wading niche in the lakes in which these deposits were formed [5,58]. The causes of the ultimate demise of species of Wilaru after the early Miocene are unknown, but as in the case of much of Australia’s fauna, climate change and the progressive aridification of the continent may have played a role, especially if species of Wilaru were territorial and dependent on specific habitats for breeding.

Fossils from the early Eocene Tingamarra Local Fauna, Queensland, were tentatively referred to the form-taxon Graculavidae (‘transitional shorebirds’ [59]) [32], but it has been acknowledged that some of the material may in fact be presbyornithid [30,32]. Indeed, the coracoid, fragment of humerus, and one distal tibiotarsus tentatively attributed to the ‘Graculavidae’ were recognized by Boles [32] as remarkably similar to P. pervetus, and we further note the marked similarity with the corresponding elements of W. tedfordi and other members of the Presbyornithidae. Further assessment of this material will help establish if presbyornithids have been in Australia since at least the early Eocene.

Australia’s long period of geographical isolation, from complete separation from Antarctica to a close proximity to the Indo-Malayan region (ca 50–15 [60,61]), has certainly promoted the extended temporal continuance of its fauna. The presence of presbyornithids in the early Miocene of Australia, therefore, ought not to appear all that surprising. Within mammals, marsupials and monotremes have survived in Australia since at least the early Eocene [62] and late Oligocene [63], respectively, long after most lineages disappeared elsewhere in the world (e.g. [64]). A similar pattern can be observed among birds, as the globally distributed Palaelodidae, which first appear in the fossil record during the early Oligocene, survived in Australia until the mid-Pleistocene [5], and the plains-wanderer lineage, which was once more widespread but has been on the continent since at least the late Oligocene [8,11], still remains in Australia with a sole representative, Pedionomus torquatus. Anseranatids, arguably known from the early Eocene and late Oligocene of Europe [19] and nowadays represented only by A. semipalmata, survive in Australia and New Guinea, having been recorded in Australia since the late Oligocene [7]. We note that although members of Anseranatidae are known from similar-aged deposits in Australia, they differ from presbyornithids in the morphology of most skeletal elements, but especially the humerus and coracoid.

Within Presbyornithidae, the postcranial morphology of W. tedfordi and W. prideauxiagrees with the South American T. antiquus in nearly all elements (§i), the tarsometatarsus being the exception. On the other hand, P. pervetus resembles T. antiquus in some features more than it does W. tedfordi, but mainly in the morphology of the tarsometatarsus. The overall close similarity between W. tedfordi and T. antiquus may lend support to the hypothesis that at least some aspects of the morphology of P. pervetus may be derived within Presbyornithidae (see also [19]). However, the uncertainty, at least for the time being, as to whether these similarities are derived or plesiomorphic both within Anseriformes and Presbyornithidae precludes a well-informed phylogenetic hypothesis. Assessing potential presbyornithid material from the Eocene of Australia, the discovery of cranial material of species of Wilaru, and the assessment of early-diverging anhimids (thought to be more Presbyornis-like [40]), may all contribute to clarifying the phylogenetic relationships between the different presbyornithid taxa.

Although conceiving a historical biogeographical scenario with the evidence at hand may be premature, the morphological similarity between species of Wilaru and T. antiquus emphasizes the role of Gondwana during the evolutionary history of the Presbyornithidae. This raises the possibility that members of the genera Wilaru, Telmabates and Presbyornis had a common ancestry on the southern landmasses, or at least that there was one Gondwanan radiation within Presbyornithidae including T. antiquus and species of Wilaru. Because only very few elements are known for the Cretaceous T. gobiensis, assessment of its position within Presbyornithidae, and the role Laurasia played during the early evolutionary history of presbyornithids will need to await the discovery of additional material. The morphology of P. mongoliensis and that of most elements attributed to Presbyornis sp. by Kurochkin & Dyke [20], some of which are probably attributable to P. mongoliensis, agrees well with the morphology of P. pervetus. A close relationship between the two can be explained by the geographical proximity of North America and Mongolia during the early Cenozoic [65].

Comments on presbyornithid relationships

There are marked differences between screamers and presbyornithids in major skeletal elements that extend beyond the highly pneumatic nature of anhimid limb bones, e.g. the humerus of anhimids has an inflated shaft and a pneumatic fossa pneumotricipitalis, the coracoid has a very reduced acrocoracoid with an unusually shallow sulcus supracoracoideus, and the carpometacarpus has a unique spur-like development of the processus extensorius. Despite this, many of the postcranial features we used in this study reflect interesting similarities with the Anhimidae, despite the derived aberrant morphology of this taxon [44]. Within anseriforms, characters that are shared between Anhimidae and Presbyornithidae, and not present in other Anseriformes (i.e. Anseranatidae and Anatidae), include (1) the presence of a deep fossa in the incisura capitis of the humerus; (2) both articular rims of the trochlea carpalis of the carpometacarpus extending caudally and distally to about same level; (3) a very elongate sulcus tendineus, extending to the distal end of the scar for m. extensor carpi ulnaris; (4) a very prominent linea intermuscularis cranialis of the femur, separated from the lateral margin of the crista trochanteris (in P. pervetus this line runs closer to crista trochanteris); (5) a much smaller, mediolaterally and proximodistally, medial condyle of the tibiotarsus compared to the lateral condyle; and (6) a hypotarsus with one well-developed sulcus hypotarsi and one well-marked crista intermedia hypotarsi with the rest reduced to a near flat embossment in the lateral portion of the hypotarsus (not present in P. pervetus and T. antiquus). Ericson [40] further noted the presence of pleurocoelous thoracic vertebrae in presbyornithids and screamers, but because of the pronounced pneumaticity in the skeleton of extant anhimids whether this feature is indeed homologous for the two remains to be ascertained.

Some of the characters listed above may be plesiomorphic for Anseriformes (e.g. characters 2, 3, and 5), but whether that is true of all features or whether some could be synapomorphic for a clade including (Anhimidae + Presbyornithidae) needs to be established in a cladistic framework. A yet undescribed Eocene representative of the Anhimidae may shed some light on the subject [66]. Although not formally described, this early Eocene specimen from Wyoming was briefly assessed by Ericson [40], who noted that several elements of the postcranial skeleton closely match those of presbyornithids, including the carpometacarpus, coracoid, furcula and tibiotarsus (see also [32]). Chaunoides antiquus from the late Oligocene–early Miocene of Brazil [67] is known from several fragmentary bones, and despite it being morphologically very similar to extant anhimids, the extreme pneumatisation of the skeleton that characterizes modern anhimids is absent. There is, therefore, a strong possibility that screamers are derived from presbyornithid-like birds or that they had a common ancestor. Although living screamers have a galliform-like hooked bill, it has been proposed that the rudimentary lamellae on the bill of anhimids indicates a secondary loss of the filter-feeding ability [44,68], and therefore the skull of early-diverging anhimids may have been more ‘anseriform-like’ than that of extant anhimids [40]. The occurrence of lamellae-like structures, however, may not necessarily be linked to filter-feeding, as aquatic herbivores may use these structures for grasping and cutting plants [54].

In any case, the recognition of W. tedfordi as a presbyornithid certainly calls for a reassessment of the phylogenetic position of Presbyornithidae within Anseriformes (see also [69-71]), which may be closer to the base of the anseriform tree than previously assumed [40,47,72]. Similarly, the phylogenetic placement of anseriform fossil taxa that have been based on cladistics analyses with limited taxon sampling and including P. pervetus alone, such as that of the Late Cretaceous Vegavis iaaifrom Antarctica [72], should be revised in the light of these new findings.

Conclusion

In this study we show that, contrary to previous reports, W. tedfordi from the late Oligocene of South Australia was not a burhinid (Charadriiformes), but a representative of the Presbyornithidae (Anseriformes). Additionally, we describe a slightly larger and more robust species of Wilaru, W. prideauxi, from the early Miocene of South Australia. This record extends the temporal continuance of presbyornithids by at least 25 million years, as they were believed to have disappeared from the fossil record by the early middle Eocene.

Unlike other presbyornithids, species of Wilaru were predominantly terrestrial birds, as indicated by the morphology of their tarsometatarsus. This adaptation likely contributed to their long-term survival in Australia, where they may have been present since at least the early Eocene, and where they lived alongside aquatic members of crown-group Anatidae. The presence of a bony excrescence on the extensor process of the carpometacarpus, linked with aggressive behaviour and also present in the presbyornithid T. antiquusand many extant anseriforms, may indicate that species of Wilaru were highly territorial.

The morphological similarity between species of Wilaru and the South American T. antiquus (§i) not only suggests a close relationship between the two, but also emphasizes the previously unexplored role of Gondwana in the evolutionary history of the Presbyornithidae, raising the possibility of a Gondwanan origin for the group, or at least a Gondwanan radiation. Similarly, the skeletal resemblance of the North American P. pervetus and the Mongolian P. mongoliensis (including specimens attributed to Presbyornis sp. from Mongolia) possibly indicates that these Northern Hemispheric species were more closely related to each other than to the Gondwanan T. antiquus and species of Wilaru. The phylogenetic affinities of T. gobiensis from the Late Cretaceous of Mongolia, here confirmed as a presbyornithid, remain obscure.

Although screamers (Anhimidae) may have evolved from presbyornithid-like birds, the uncertainty as to whether skeletal features shared by presbyornithids and anhimids are plesiomorphic within Anseriformes or indicative of a close relationship between the two cannot yet be resolved. In any case, recognition of W. tedfordi as a presbyornithid calls for a reassessment of the phylogenetic position of Presbyornithidae within Anseriformes.