Aphanapteryx
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A. bonasia |
Aphanapteryx is a small genus of extinct birds of the rail family.
The two flightless island species were
- Red Rail or Mauritian Red Rail, Aphanapteryx bonasia which became extinct on Mauritius ca 1700
- Rodrigues Rail or Leguat’s Rail Aphanapteryx leguati which became extinct some time after 1730 on Rodrigues in the Mascarene Islands.
Both species were readily attracted by red objects and made excellent eating, factors which ensured their downfall.
[edit] References
- Taylor and van Perlo, Rails SBN 90-74345-20-4
