Andrewsornis abbotti Patterson 1941

Andrewsornis abbotti Patterson, 1941

Type – Incomplete skull, mandible (Fig. 26A), omal extremity of a coracoid, the second and ungual phalanges of digit II (FM-P13417).

Hypodigm – Type; a mandibular symphysis (FM-P13383) (Figs. 25A, 25B and 25C); a left femur with only the internal condyle missing (FM-P14678) (Figs. 25D, 25E and 25F).

Horizon and Locality – Middle and Upper Oligocene of Argentina, (Deseadan); Cabeca Blanca (Chubut), Pico Truncado (Santa Cruz).

Measurements – Table 7; Patterson, (1941).

1 Type of Phororhacos deautieri Kraglievich, 1931.

Illustrations – Patterson (1941).

Remarks – The mandibular symphysis of specimen FM-P 13383 (Figs. 25A, 25B and 25C), is smaller than that of the type specimen and the femur (FM-P 14678) (Figs. 25D, 25E and 25F) is still smaller than the corresponding bone of Patagornis marshi. However, the measurements of the type specimen lead one to believe it to have been a larger bird. This is certainly one more example of intraspecific variation in these birds, and possibly even sexual dimorphism. A phalanx of digit II (MACN-A-52-110), whereon Ameghino (1898) described Aucornis solidus, is very probably attributed to this species and the name of which naturally could have priority. However, the diagnostic value of this phalanx is very debatable, as also one can question the correct geographical and stratigraphical origin of the specimen as well. It is thus preferable in this case to consider Aucornis solidus Ameghino, 1898 as a species inquirenda.