Body mass estimation and locomotion of the Miocene pelecaniform bird Macranhinga

Abstract

The fossil darter Macranhinga paranensis (Aves: Pelecaniformes) from the late Miocene of Argentina is the largest of all known extinct or living Anhingidae. Its body mass is estimated at a mean value of 5.4 kg by using a scaling model derived from the logarithmic relationship between measurements of the least shaft circumference of the femur/ tibiotarsus and body masses. Predictions of body mass, as well as the analysis of anatomical evidence, are used to infer that Macranhinga paranensis would have probably had a powered flapping flight and an aquatic locomotion similar to that of cormorants. The morphology of the pelvis and the hind-limb would have allowed Macranhinga paranensis to catch fishes by means of pursuit-diving rather than stalking them in an anhinga-like manner. As determined by adaptations mainly of tarsometatarsal morphology, the species had well developed perching and climbing abilities.