232 



THE DESEADO FORMATION OF PATAGONIA 



Of the phalanges, \ have two unguals which are narrow 

 curved claws. These were not found in association with 

 any of the foregoing bones, but correspond in size and 

 general character to those of Pclccyornis, and so I consider 

 them as belonging to this genus and species. 



Fig. 159. Ungual pha- 

 lanx — 1/2 natural size. 



Fig. 160. Femur of 

 unknown bird — natural 

 size; special No. 3217. 



Ameghino has suggested that the genus was related to 

 ducks, but with the more complete material it seems, in 

 general build, much closer to the aberrant land birds of the 

 Tertiary of South America, Pelecyornis and Phororhacus; 

 and I am not in position to say what their derivation may 

 have been. 



Beside the above species there are several more or less 

 complete but isolated bones indicating the presence of other 

 and much smaller birds. I figure such a femur natural size. 



