Paraprefica is an extinct genus of Nyctibiid birds (commonly called potoos) from the Eocene. The genus was first named in 1999 and currently includes two valid species; P. major and P. kelleri.
Classification[]
Paraprefica is the only genus in the extinct subfamily Parapreficinae. Parapreficinae is one of two subfamilies in the Potoo family, the other subfamily is the extant subfamily Nyctibiinae, which includes two extant genera; Nyctibius and Phyllaemulor.
Description[]
Paraprefica had a relatively large wingspan but was still smaller than extant Potoos. Its beak was thin although its mouth was relatively wide. Paraprefica overall appearance was very similar to modern Potoos. The bird is one of the best known Eocene birds in the fossil record with various well preserved skulls and one well preserved skeleton.
Range[]
Paraprefica is the only known Potoo from Europe (specifically Germany) while the two extant Genera are known only from the Americas. This distribution of Potoo species raises questions about the origin of Potoos with some scientists theorizing that the family originated in Europe and later became restricted to the Americas.