Minerva antiqua (Aves, Strigiformes), an owl mistaken for an edentate mammal. American Museum novitates ; no. 2773

Abstract

"Minerva antiqua, from the Eocene of the United States, described by R.W. Shufeldt as a strigid owl, was later considered to be an edentate mammal. Study of the type material and of material referred to this species, shows that it is actually a strigiform. The generic name Minerva must replace Protostrix, and Minerva becomes the type genus of the family Protostrigidae. Minerva antiqua is characterized by the strong development of posterior digits I and II, and by the peculiar shape of the claw of posterior digit I"--P. [1].