Further characterization of Caracara creightoni Brodkorb based on fossils from the Quaternary of Cuba (Aves : Falconidae)

Abstract

Caracara creightoni, previously known from three fragmentary fossils from New Providence Island, Bahamas, is here documented from two Quaternary sites in Cuba. It appears to have been a smaller species than C. cheriway, but with a more robust bill and quadrate and other cranial differences, relatively shorter wings, and more robust hindlimb elements. The Living species C. cheriway appears to be a relatively recent arrival in Cuba so that it is Likely that fossils of Caracara from the West Indies may all belong to extinct endemic species.