Raptor and owl bone from Niah Caves, Sarawak: identifications and morphological variation in the humerus and tarsometatarsus of selected raptors

This paper reports on the findings of a preliminary investigation of raptor (Accipitriformes) and owl (Strigiformes) bones recovered during the original archaeological investigations of the Niah Caves during the 1950s and 1960s. Observations of morphological characteristics that were utilised to distinguish humeri and tarsometatarsi of selected species are included. A total of 48 archaeological specimens were identified, representing five genera of Accipitridae (Order Accipitriformes) and two genera of Strigidae (Order Strigiformes). Forty‐four specimens were further identified to species (Accipitriformes, four species; Strigiformes, three species) including a Late Pleistocene record of the bathawk ( Machieramphus alcinus ) dated to 36 470 ± 250 (uncal.) bp. Modern representatives of all identified species have been recorded recently in Sarawak. The relevance of raptors and owls in the palaeoecological reconstruction of this site is discussed, and the potential role of these birds as taphonomic agents is considered.