Revision of non-Passeriform birds from Polgárdi (Hungary, Late Miocene): 1. Anseriformes

Abstract

Polgárdi is a series of Late Miocene localities in central Hungary, which have yielded one of the richest Miocene avifaunas. The taxonomic composition of the waterfowl (Anseriformes) from Polgárdi is revised. As a result of revision, Anas denesi Kessler, 2013 is transferred to the genus Aythya. This species has a combination of primitive and advanced morphological characters, which do not come in conflict with the concept of gradual formation of morphological features of the modern type in various lineages of Aythya. Another small duck from Polgárdi referred to as Anas albae Jánossy, 1979 is only possible to be identified as Mergini gen. indet.