Bird remains from cave deposits in New Mexico

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Howard, Hildegarde; Miller, Alden H.

Source:

Condor, Cooper Ornithological Club, Volume 35, Issue 1, p.15-18 (1933)

Call Number:

A33HOW01IDUS

URL:

https://sora.unm.edu/node/97999

Keywords:

Moutain Quail, Oreortyx pictus

Abstract:

In the course of the past three years the authors have been occupied, as time permitted, with the identification of avian remains from cave deposits situated in the Pyramid Peak range at the southern end of the Organ Mountains of Dona Ana County, New Mexico. These bird bones were taken from two localities on opposite slopes of Pyramid Peak, Conkling Cavern on the east and Shelter Cave on the west. Exhumation of the bones began in 1929 and was continued in the summer season of 1930 by parties from the Los Angeles Museum where the material now is deposited. The entire avifauna of the caves, with all possible identifications completed, now amounts to fifty-eight species. It comprises a few extinct forms but chiefly a large group of species still living. Some of this group are not, however, found in the region under present faunal and floral conditions. Pending a fully detailed report upon the birds from these caves, which will appear later in the Los Angeles Museum Publications, it seems desirable to list briefly at this time all species which we have found present. Thus may be placed on record many species heretofore unknown from prehistoric times, as well as additional information relative to changes in distribution.