An Archaeotrogon (Aves: Archaeotrogonidae) from the Middle Eocene of the Grube Messel (Hessen, Germany)?

A bird from the Middle Eocene of the Grube Messel (Hessen, Deutschland) is described as a new genus and species of the Archaeotrogonidae Mourer-Chauvire 1980 (incertae sedis). The specimens from Messel would be the first articulated skeletons of this family. Hassiavis laticauda n. gen. n. sp. is distinguished from the genus Archaeotrogon Milne-Edwards 1892 in the morphology of the coracoid. The excellent preservation of the wing feathers and those of the tail in several of the specimens is exceptional. Some tail feathers of the holotype are barred, which might be traced back to the original pigmentation of these feathers. The phylogenetic position of the Archaeotrogonidae is discussed. At present no synapomorphies are known, which could set up a closer relationship between this family and one of the existing orders.