Belgicus

Belgicus is a genus of extinct birds that belonged to the family Phasianidae, which comprises the pheasants and partridges. Fossil evidence indicates that Belgicus existed during the Late Eocene epoch, a time period that approximately spanned from 34 to 37 million years ago.

Several fossil specimens of Belgicus have been discovered in Europe, with the majority originating from Belgium and France. The genus was first described in 1904, with the species name Belgicus calcava being the first recorded. Belgicus is often characterized by its distinctive beak shape, which is thought to have been used for foraging.

Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Belgicus is closely related to the genus Arborophagus, which was another extinct genus of birds within the Phasianidae family. Belgicus is considered to have been a ground-dwelling bird, with some studies indicating that it may have had a size similar to that of modern pheasants. However, its exact appearance and habits remain poorly understood, due in part to the limited availability of fossil evidence.

Belgicus is regarded as an important discovery in the field of paleornithology, as it provides insights into the evolution and diversity of Early Cenozoic birds in Europe. Further research and the continued discovery of new fossil material may shed more light on the biology and ecology of this enigmatic genus.