Manu antiquus Temporal range: | |
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Anterior view of the holotype furcula | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Infraclass: | Neognathae |
Order: | incertae sedis |
Genus: | † Manu Marples, 1946 [1] |
Species: | †M. antiquus |
Binomial name | |
†Manu antiquus Marples, 1946 |
Manu antiquus is a species of extinct bird of uncertain affinities from the Oligocene of New Zealand. It was described by Brian Marples in 1946 from fossil material (part of a furcula) found near Duntroon, north Otago, in the South Island. Marples suggested that it might be an early albatross; subsequent researchers have speculated that it could be a pelagornithid; however, its affinities remain uncertain. The genus name Manu is Māori for "bird"; the specific epithet antiquus is Latin for "old" or "ancient". [2] [3]