Viator picis
Encyclopedia
Viator picis is an extinct genus and species of lapwing (Charadriiformes
; Charadriidae
; Vanellinae) known only from the upper Pleistocene
asphalt
deposits known as the Talara Tar Seeps, which are found near Talara
, northwestern Peru
. It was described by Campbell (1979). Although it appears to be related to the Southern Lapwing
(Belonopterus chilensis) and the Andean Lapwing
(Belonopterus resplendens), it is quite distinct from Vanellus
.
Charadriiformes
Charadriiformes is a diverse order of small to medium-large birds. It includes about 350 species and has members in all parts of the world. Most Charadriiformes live near water and eat invertebrates or other small animals; however, some are pelagic , some occupy deserts and a few are found in thick...
; Charadriidae
Charadriidae
The bird family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings, about 64 to 66 species in all.- Morphology :They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings, but most species of lapwing may have more rounded wings...
; Vanellinae) known only from the upper Pleistocene
Pleistocene
The Pleistocene is the epoch from 2,588,000 to 11,700 years BP that spans the world's recent period of repeated glaciations. The name pleistocene is derived from the Greek and ....
asphalt
Asphalt
Asphalt or , also known as bitumen, is a sticky, black and highly viscous liquid or semi-solid that is present in most crude petroleums and in some natural deposits, it is a substance classed as a pitch...
deposits known as the Talara Tar Seeps, which are found near Talara
Talara
Talara is a city in the Talara Province of the Piura Region, in northwestern Peru. It is a port city on the Pacific Ocean with a population of 103,200 as of 2005. Its climate is hot and dry. Due to its oil reserves, and ability to produce aviation fuel, Talara hosted a United States air base during...
, northwestern Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
. It was described by Campbell (1979). Although it appears to be related to the Southern Lapwing
Southern Lapwing
The Southern Lapwing is a wader in the family Charadriiformes. It is a common and widespread resident throughout South America, except in densely forested regions , the higher parts of the Andes and the arid coast of a large part of western South America. This bird is particularly common in the...
(Belonopterus chilensis) and the Andean Lapwing
Andean Lapwing
The Andean Lapwing is a species of bird in the Charadriidae family.It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru....
(Belonopterus resplendens), it is quite distinct from Vanellus
Vanellus
Vanellus is the genus of waders which provisionally contains all lapwings except Red-kneed Dotterel, Erythrogonys cinctus. The name "vanellus" is Latin for "little fan", vanellus being the diminutive of vannus . The name is in reference to the sound lapwings' wings make in...
.