| Jamaican ibis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Pelecaniformes |
| Family: | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus: | †Xenicibis Olson &Steadman, 1977 |
| Species: | †X. xympithecus |
| Binomial name | |
| †Xenicibis xympithecus | |
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| Former range (in red) | |
TheJamaican ibis,Jamaican flightless ibis[1] orclubbed-wing ibis[2] (Xenicibis xympithecus) is anextinct bird species of theibis subfamily uniquely characterized by its club-like wings.[3] It is the only species in the genusXenicibis,[1] and one of only twoflightless ibis genera,[2][3] the other being the genusApteribis which was endemic toHawaii's islands ofMaui Nui.[2][4]
The species was first described in 1977 based on postcranial bone elements excavated in a cave deposit atLong Mile Cave,Jamaica, by H. E. Anthony in 1919–20.[1][5] At the time, it was presumed to be flightless based on the incompletecoracoid;[1] its flightlessness was confirmed after ahumerus of the same species was found in theSwansea Cave, Jamaica.[5][6] New fossil finds from two locations, including theRed Hills Fissure, show that the bird has a unique modification of thecarpometacarpus, rendering it club-like.[3] Themetacarpal is enlarged and boweddistally with thickened walls, while theulna andradius have been modified as well. From its maximum femur diameter of 8.7 mm, it has been estimated that the Jamaican Ibis weighed about 2 kg (70 oz).[3]
Ornithologists speculate that the wings were used as weapons, in the manner of aclub orflail,[3] similar to the adaptations found in somemantis shrimps (Stomatopoda: Gonodactyloidea) that possess a club-like distally inflated dactyl used to strike prey and other shrimps.[7] Among birds, this adaption seems unique.[3] In birds, adaptations of the wing that are advantageous in the context of fighting represent an example of contingency in which species find different solutions to the same problem as a result of random variations.[3][8]
The Jamaican ibis was endemic to Jamaica. Bones have been excavated from several caves, including the Long Mile Cave,[1] the Swansea Cave,[6] theJackson's Bay Cave[9] and the Red Hills Fissure.[3] Bones fromCuba claimed to be of this genus[10] were later identified as those of alimpkin. Jamaica and Cuba have never been linked, so it is improbable that a flightless species could reach a different island.[5]
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