The re-identification of great bustard (Otis tarda) from Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester, West Sussex, as common crane (Grus grus)

Author: Allen, Martyn G.¹

Source: Environmental Archaeology, Volume 14, Number 2, October 2009 , pp. 184-190(7)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

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Abstract:

This paper details the results of recent reanalysis of the animal remains from the 1960s excavations at Fishbourne Roman Palace, West Sussex. It argues that specimens originally identified as belonging to the great bustard are, in fact, misidentified remains of common crane. This discovery has important connotations. First, these findings need to be reported so that the avian archaeological record can be updated to avoid future syntheses of Romano-British faunal remains incorrectly including great bustard. Secondly, interpretations of the zooarchaeological remains at Fishbourne Palace will alter, due to the differing ecological histories of bustards and cranes.

Keywords: GREAT BUSTARD; COMMON CRANE; IDENTIFICATION; FISHBOURNE PALACE; ROMAN

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: 10.1179/146141009X12481709928481

Affiliations: 1: Department of Archaeology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK

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