A new genus and species of buteonine hawk from Quaternary deposits in Bermuda (Aves : Accipitridae)

Bermuteo avivorus, new genus and species, is described from rare Quaternary fossils from the island of Bermuda. Although clearly referable to the Buteoninae, its relationships within that group are difficult to assess. Considerable size variation may be attributable to sexual dimorphism associated with bird-catching behavior. It is uncertain if the species survived into the historic period. Factors contributing to the rarity of hawk remains in the fossil record of Bermuda are discussed. One fragmentary ulna is from a larger hawk, possibly the Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis.