Australlus, a new genus for Gallinula disneyi (Aves: Rallidae) and a description of a new species from Oligo-Miocene deposits at Riversleigh, northwestern Queensland, Australia

Paleontologists have identified a new genus, Australlus, for the fossil species Gallinula disneyi from Oligo-Miocene deposits at Riversleigh World Heritage Site. This discovery challenges previous classifications and suggests that G. disneyi is not an early member of the crown group Rallidae but rather a basal rallid with affinities to Porphyrio. Additionally, a second species within this genus was described, along with evidence for a third, smaller rallid from the same site. These findings represent the only known gruiforms and small non-passerine ground-birds from Riversleigh, offering significant insights into the evolutionary history of rails during the Oligo-Miocene period.

Worthy, T. H. (2011). Australlus, a new genus for Gallinula disneyi (Aves: Rallidae) and a description of a new species from Oligo-Miocene deposits at Riversleigh, northwestern Queensland, Australia. Records of the Australian Museum, 63(1), 61–77. https://doi.org/10.3853/j.0067-1975.63.2011.1563