The Tubuai rail (Gallirallus steadmani) is an extinct species of flightless bird in the Rallidae, or rail family.

Tubuai rail
Temporal range: Late Holocene
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
Genus: Gallirallus
Species:
G. steadmani
Binomial name
Gallirallus steadmani

History edit

It was described from subfossil remains found in 2007 by Robert Bollt at the Atiahara archaeological site, on the island of Tubuai in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia. The site dates to the 13th and 14th centuries CE, from the early period of human habitation of the island.[1]

Etymology edit

The species was named after David Steadman in recognition of his contributions to Pacific paleo-ornithology and the understanding of the radiation of Gallirallus-like rails.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Worthy, Trevor H. & Bollt, Robert. (2011-01-01). "Prehistoric birds and bats from the Atiahara site, Tubuai, Austral Islands, East Polynesia". Pacific Science. 65 (1): 69–86. doi:10.2984/65.1.069. hdl:10125/23211. S2CID 54836563. Archived from the original on 2014-09-21.(subscription required)