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SYNOPSIS OF THE FOSSIL FORMS. 
There is at present no satisfactory evidence of the existence of Birds in this 
country earlier than the Cretaceous period. The footprints in the sandstone of 
the Connecticut Valley, which have been attributed to Birds, were probably all 
made by Dinosaurian Reptiles. 
The species which have been described from the Cretaceous formation are nearly 
all known only from fragmentary remains. Those from the Tertiary and Post- 
tertiary are generally represented by better preserved specimens. 
The following synopsis has been revised by the accomplished palzontologist 
who has described nearly all the known species. Through his courteous atten- 
tions, the list has been completed to the date on which these pages go to press. 
This first connected account of the Extinct Birds of North America will unques- 
tionably be very largely supplemented by future discoveries. Work in this field 
of research was neyer more actively and successfully prosecuted than at present, 
and new species are almost continually being brought to light. 
PICARIZA. 
UINTORNIS LUCARIS Marsh. 
American Journal of Science, iv, 259. Oct., 1872. 
This bird was about as large as a robin, and apparently related to the 
Woodpeckers. The only known remains are from the Lower Tertiary 
formation of Wyoming Territory. They are preserved in the museum of 
Yale College. 
RAPTORES. 
AQUILA DANANA Marsh. 
American Journal of Science, ii, 125. August, 1871. 
This species was nearly as large as the Golden Eagle (A. chrysaétos). 
The only known remains were found in the Pliocene of Nebraska, and are 
now in the Yale museum. 
BUBO LEPTOSTEUS Marsh. 
American Journal of Science, ii, 126. August, 1871. 
A species about two-thirds as large as the Great Horned Owl (B. virgin- 
ianus). The remains were discovered in the Lower Tertiary beds of 
Wyoming, and are also in the Yale museum. 
GALLINZ. 
MELEAGRIS ANTIQUUS Marsh. 
American Journal of Science, ii, 126. August, 1871. 
This species was nearly as large as the Wild Turkey (JM. gallopavo). 
The remains representing it were found in the Miocene of Colorado, and 
are preserved in the Yale museum. 
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