Stuttgarter Beiträge zur Naturkunde A, Neue Serie 3: 347–362; Stuttgart, 30.IV.2010.

347

Skull identification key for Central European waterfowl

(Aves: Anseriformes: Anatidae)
CHRISTIAN ELLROTT & GREGOR SCHMITZ

Abstract
Although the Anseriformes are among the most thoroughly studied bird orders in Central Europe, no precise
key for the identification of their skulls was available. This paper seeks to remedy this lack by presenting a dicho-
tomous identification key for 37 species of Anseriformes from Germany. Photographs and biometric measurements
of the skulls are added to support the identification process.
K e y w o r d s : Aves, Anseriformes, Anatidae, skull morphology, identification key.

Zusammenfassung
Obwohl die Entenvögel (Anseriformes) zu den gut untersuchten Vogelgruppen zählen, lag bisher kein präziser
Bestimmungsschlüssel für die Schädel der mitteleuropäischen Arten vor. Mit der vorliegenden Arbeit wird diese
Lücke geschlossen und ein dichotomer Schlüssel zur Bestimmung von 37 in Deutschland lebenden Entenvogelarten
vorgestellt. Zur Erleichterung der Bestimmung werden Fotos und Messdaten beigefügt.

Contents
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 347
2 Material and Methods .........................................................................................................................................348
3 Identification key ................................................................................................................................................. 352
4 References ........................................................................................................................................................... 362

1 Introduction Europe. In this work several measurements were present-

ed (n = 1–28).
Although the Anseriformes are one of the most thor- BROWN et al. (2003) presented a skull identification key
oughly studied bird orders, no identification key for the for selected species of birds, including Anseriformes. The
skulls of Central European species was yet available. As key included general skull types and the bill-cranium-rela-
part of a graduate thesis project at Constance University tion, and was supplemented by illustrations and some basic
(ELLROTT 2008), the skulls of 37 German waterfowl spe- morphometric data. Unfortunately, the number of specimens
cies were measured and analyzed with regard to function- examined was not specified (except when only one specimen
al anatomy, diet and feeding behavior. Based on the un- was available). The illustrations were not very detailed and
derlying data and measurements, a distinction can even not comparable between species. Closely related species were
be made between skulls of closely related species. In this shown with and without bill horn. Therefore, skulls that in re-
paper we present a dichotomous identification key for all ality are similar, appear to be very different. Finally, some im-
37 species of the order. In addition, we include supportive portant species are missing (e. g. Mergellus albellus) or repre-
morphometric data and illustrations. sented in low numbers (e. g. Branta bernicla with n = 1).
The skull of the Anseriformes is desmognathous and JANSEN & GESTEL (2009) present the following mea-
holorhinous. It is further characterized by the following fea- surements on their “skullsite”: total length; length, width
tures: Processus angularis of the lower jaw strongly devel- and height of cranium, upper bill length, skull relation (to-
oped, joint area of the articulare with a distinct caudolater- tal length / upper bill length). The photographs are clear
al to rostromedial ridge, rostropterygoid joint situated quite and informative. Unfortunately, the measurements are
rostrally (features of Galloanseres); rostral end of palatina taken from just one specimen each. In addition, despite of
spatulate, rostropterygoid processus pedicellate, processus the enormous number of included species, some Central
retroarticularis of the lower jaw sagitally compressed and European species are missing.
knife-shaped, occipital fontanelles present, processus para- Because Germany has a good cross-section of the Cen-
coronoideus strongly developed (MICKOLEIT 2004). tral European fauna, we based our analysis on the species
GOODMANN & FISHER (1962) investigated the function- list in BARTHEL & HELBIG (2005), but we excluded very rare
al anatomy of the feeding apparatus of 17 species of the species in order to keep the identification key practicable
Anseriformes with seven species occurring in Central (see chapter 2, “species selection”).
348 STUTTGARTER BEITRÄGE ZUR NATURKUNDE A Neue Serie 3

Acknowledgements 2 Materials und Methods

We are grateful to Dr. DORIS MÖRIKE (Staatliches Museum
für Naturkunde, Stuttgart), Dr. ELISABETH STEFAN (Landesdenk- Species selection
malamt Baden-Württemberg, Arbeitsstelle Osteologie, Kon- Species selection is based on BARTHEL & HELBIG (2005).
stanz), BRITTA MÖLLENKAMP (Institut für Palaeoanatomie, Domes- From the 66 Anseriformes species listed in this paper, we exclu-
tikationsforschung und Geschichte der Tiermedizin, Universität ded 29 species which (1) were previously recorded as introdu-
München) and Dr. S. FRAHNERT (Museum für Naturkunde, Ber- ced, arrived by assisted transport or escaped from captivity, and
lin) for providing skull material. Dr. B. LEISLER (Max Planck In- whose breeding population (if any) is thought not to be self-sus-
stitut für Ornithologie, Radolfzell) helped us to define measure- taining, or (2) were classified as vagrants with an average of less
ment methods and terminology. We also thank the referees for than five records per year since 1980.
their comments and advice.

Tab. 1. Species included in the determination key. – Nomenclature according to BAUER et al. (2005), systematic order according to
HOYO et al. (1992).

Scientific name English name German name

A NSER A NAT I NA E
Anserini
Cygnus olor (J. K. Gmelin, 1789) Mute Swan Höckerschwan
Cygnus atratus (Latham, 1790) Black Swan Schwarzschwan
Cygnus cygnus (Linnaeus, 1758) Whooper Swan Singschwan
Cygnus bewickii Yarrell, 1830 Tundra Swan Zwergschwan
Anser fabalis (Latham, 1787) Bean Goose Saatgans
Anser brachyrhynchus Baillon, 1834 Pink-footed Goose Kurzschnabelgans
Anser albifrons (Scopoli, 1769) Greater White-fronted Goose Blässgans
Anser erythropus (Linnaeus, 1758) Lesser White-fronted Goose Zwerggans
Anser anser (Linnaeus, 1758) Greylag Goose Graugans
Branta canadensis (Linnaeus, 1758) Canada Goose Kanadagans
Branta leucopsis (Bechstein, 1803) Barnacle Goose Weißwangengans
Branta bernicla (Linnaeus, 1758) Brent Goose Ringelgans
Branta ruficollis (Pallas, 1769) Red-breasted Goose Rothalsgans
A NAT I NA E
Ta d o r n i n i
Alopochen aegyptiaca (Linnaeus, 1766) Egyptian Goose Nilgans
Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas, 1764) Ruddy Shelduck Rostgans
Tadorna tadorna (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Shelduck Brandgans
Cairinini
Aix galericulata (Linnaeus, 1758) Mandarin Duck Mandarinente
Anatini
Anas penelope Linnaeus, 1758 Eurasian Wigeon Pfeifente
Anas stepera Linnaeus, 1758 Gadwall Schnatterente
Anas crecca Linnaeus, 1758 Common Teal Krickente
Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758 Mallard Stockente
Anas acuta Linnaeus, 1758 Northern Pintail Spießente
Anas querquedula Linnaeus, 1758 Garganey Knäkente
Anas clypeata Linnaeus, 1758 Northern Shoveler Löffelente
Ay t h y i n i
Netta rufina (Pallas, 1773) Red-crested Pochard Kolbenente
Aythya ferina (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Pochard Tafelente
Aythya nyroca (Güldenstädt, 1770) Ferruginous Duck Moorente
Aythya fuligula (Linnaeus, 1758) Tufted Duck Reiherente
Aythya marila (Linnaeus, 1758) Greater Scaup Bergente
Mergini
Somateria mollissima (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Eider Eiderente
Clangula hyemalis (Linnaeus, 1758) Long-tailed Duck Eisente
Bucephala clangula (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Goldeneye Schellente
Melanitta fusca (Linnaeus, 1758) Velvet Scoter Samtente
Melanitta nigra (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Scoter Trauerente
Mergellus albellus (Linnaeus, 1758) Smew Zwergsäger
Mergus serrator Linnaeus, 1758 Red-breasted Merganser Mittelsäger
Mergus merganser Linnaeus, 1758 Goosander Gänsesäger
OX Y U R I NA E
Oxyurini
Oxyura jamaicensis (J.K. Gmelin, 1789) Ruddy Duck Schwarzkopf-Ruderente
 ELLROTT & SCHMITZ, SKULL IDENTIFICATION KEY FOR CENTRAL EUROPEAN WATERFOWL 349

Materials CL Cranial length (measured from the middle of the fissu-

The skull material originates mainly from the NIKOLAUS Col- ra cranio-facialis to the caudal end of the cranium)
lection (Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde, Stuttgart). We also
used specimens from the following collections: Landesdenk- Upper bill
malamt Baden-Württemberg, Arbeitsstelle Osteologie, Kon-
stanz; Institut für Palaeoanatomie, Domestikationsforschung TOL Tomium length
und Geschichte der Tiermedizin, Universität München; Mu- PL Premaxillary length (measured between tip of upper
seum für Naturkunde, Berlin; SCHMITZ Collection (Universität bill and anterior end of naris)
Konstanz). NL Naris length
Of the 37 species selected, we measured ten specimens each, BWUB Basal width of upper bill
all of which met the necessary condition, i. e. no damage that UBS Upper bill shape (= bill edge shape in dorsal view, di-
could prevent proper measuring. See Tab. 1 for the nomenclature vided into three categories: divergent (= D), par-
of the included species. allel (= P) or convergent (= C) towards bill tip)
For photographic documentation we chose those individuals UBH Upper bill height (= bill height in apical third)
that were the most representative (i. e. with measurements close
to mean values). Cranium
CH Cranial height
CW Cranial width
Abbreviations and measurements SOW Width of supraorbital isthmus
The skulls were measured as follows (see also Fig. 1 and SG Salt gland fossa (may be absent, weakly developed or
Tab. 2): distinct)

Lower bill
Skull
LBL Lower bill length
TL Total length (= upper bill length plus cranial length, LBH Lower bill height
i. e. the total length was not measured separately)
UBL Upper bill length (measured from tip of upper bill to In a few key couplets we added (i. e. not included in Tab. 2)
the middle of the fissura cranio-facialis = fronto- basal width of premaxillary (measured at the anterior end of na-
nasal hinge) res) and length (cranial – rostral) of lacrimal (Fig. 3).

Tab. 2. Measurements (in mm) of the treated 37 Anseriformes species (n = 10 per species; Max = maximum; Ø = Mean, Min = Minimum;
SD = Standard deviation). – For abbreviations see chapter 2 and Fig. 1.

Skull Upper Bill Cranium Lower Bill

TL UBL CL TOL PL NL BWUB UBS UBH CH CW SOW SG LBL LBH
Max 184.2 97.5 88.4 98.4 56.8 35.5 34.7 12.6 34.3 45.7 21.7 171.0 18.9
Ø 178.6 93.3 85.3 95.0 52.8 31.7 33.3 P = 100 % 11.0 32.8 44.0 20.1 Absent 165.7 17.7
Cygnus olor
Min 172.1 89.1 82.1 91.8 49.7 27.8 31.0 10.2 31.3 41.9 17.6 159.0 16.4
SD 4.9 3.1 2.0 2.3 2.1 2.1 1.2 0.8 0.8 1.3 1.4 4.1 0.8
Max 195.1 97.1 98.3 102.6 49.9 39.3 32.8 12.2 39.0 48.0 20.1 189.0 19.4
Ø 180.0 88.9 91.0 93.4 44.3 35.4 30.5 P = 100 % 10.6 36.8 44.9 17.9 Absent 169.5 17.2
Cygnus cygnus
Min 167.5 79.5 83.2 86.0 38.9 32.9 28.1 8.8 34.8 42.7 15.3 152.8 15.6
SD 8.8 5.0 4.2 5.3 3.0 1.8 1.5 1.0 1.3 1.6 1.3 10.7 1.1
Max 169.2 81.4 87.9 86.5 38.9 34.6 30.5 12.6 36.3 44.7 17.9 160.0 17.1
Ø 156.5 74.4 82.1 80.1 36.5 30.4 29.0 P = 100 % 10.0 34.3 41.6 15.5 Absent 146.1 15.7
Cygnus bewickii
Min 144.7 69.3 75.4 74.4 33.6 26.9 27.7 8.0 32.5 38.3 13.8 132.7 14.0
SD 7.5 4.3 3.5 4.3 2.0 2.2 1.0 1.3 1.2 1.9 1.3 8.6 0.9
Max 125.0 68.2 59.0 60.6 33.0 23.6 26.4 7.5 34.4 35.7 15.4 111.2 17.3
Ø 116.9 61.4 55.5 55.2 29.5 21.8 24.4 C = 100 % 6.7 32.4 33.2 13.5 Absent 102.3 15.8
Anser fabalis
Min 110.8 56.8 53.3 50.1 27.1 19.4 22.8 6.1 30.9 26.5 11.1 93.9 15.1
SD 5.8 4.0 2.1 3.6 2.0 1.2 1.1 0.5 1.1 2.5 1.3 5.5 0.7
Max 108.6 53.3 55.5 46.5 23.9 20.1 24.4 7.6 32.0 34.9 15.5 91.8 13.6
Anser Ø 100.7 48.2 52.5 43.1 21.4 17.8 22.0 C = 100 % 6.4 30.0 31.8 13.2 Absent 85.9 12.4
brachyrhynchus Min 92.8 43.2 49.7 39.2 19.0 15.5 18.5 5.2 28.1 28.9 10.0 78.4 11.8
SD 5.0 3.0 2.3 2.2 1.5 1.5 1.7 0.7 1.4 1.8 1.5 4.5 0.6
350 STUTTGARTER BEITRÄGE ZUR NATURKUNDE A Neue Serie 3

Skull Upper Bill Cranium Lower Bill

TL UBL CL TOL PL NL BWUB UBS UBH CH CW SOW SG LBL LBH
Max 110.0 55.3 55.8 50.3 25.8 19.5 24.1 6.8 30.7 32.3 13.8 94.7 13.3
Ø 104.7 51.8 52.9 46.8 24.1 18.9 23.0 C = 100 % 6.2 29.5 31.1 12.4 Absent 89.2 12.6
Anser albifrons
Min 98.7 48.3 50.4 43.8 22.8 17.6 21.7 5.1 27.3 29.6 10.8 82.8 11.2
SD 3.4 2.1 1.6 2.1 1.1 0.6 0.7 0.5 0.8 0.9 0.9 3.5 0.5
Max 94.1 44.3 49.8 37.7 19.2 16.9 21.2 6.4 26.8 30.1 12.5 76.4 10.9
Ø 88.5 40.5 48.0 35.0 16.7 15.8 19.5 C = 100 % 5.5 25.9 28.7 11.3 Absent 72.8 10.0
Anser erythropus
Min 85.1 38.1 45.5 32.6 15.1 14.7 17.3 4.9 24.9 27.1 9.8 68.1 9.2
SD 3.0 2.0 1.6 1.7 1.1 0.8 1.2 0.4 0.6 0.9 0.7 2.6 0.6
Max 133.9 72.1 61.8 62.9 33.4 26.9 31.6 8.6 35.0 37.6 18.0 113.7 17.6
Ø 124.7 65.2 59.5 58.3 30.6 23.6 28.6 C = 100 % 8.2 33.4 36.1 15.0 Absent 107.6 16.5
Anser anser
Min 117.6 60.0 57.0 55.3 28.7 21.6 25.7 7.8 31.6 34.2 13.8 102.3 15.6
SD 4.4 3.4 1.5 2.2 1.4 1.6 1.6 0.3 1.1 1.0 1.2 2.7 0.5
Max 136.9 68.5 68.4 62.0 33.8 29.1 27.8 7.7 35.5 38.8 15.9 119.3 15.3
Branta Ø 128.5 63.9 64.6 59.3 29.0 25.6 25.2 C = 70 % 7.0 33.4 36.4 13.5 Distinct or weak 113.6 14.2
canadensis Min 118.8 58.8 59.9 53.1 25.4 23.7 20.5 P = 30 % 6.1 31.9 33.8 11.8 104.3 12.8
SD 4.7 2.8 2.9 2.6 2.3 1.8 1.9 0.5 1.1 1.3 1.2 4.2 0.6
Max 91.5 40.1 51.9 34.2 16.9 16.5 19.0 6.0 28.3 31.2 12.8 76.1 10.4
Ø 86.9 37.1 49.8 31.7 15.6 15.2 17.5 C = 100 % 5.5 26.6 28.9 10.8 Weak or absent 71.2 9.8
Branta leucopsis
Min 83.2 34.5 48.1 29.7 14.3 13.8 16.5 4.8 25.5 27.5 9.0 68.3 8.8
SD 2.8 1.7 1.3 1.4 0.7 1.0 0.7 0.4 0.9 1.1 0.9 2.7 0.5
Max 98.8 46.8 53.6 41.6 18.1 21.0 19.6 6.4 25.7 29.4 9.8 85.6 10.4
Ø 92.1 41.6 50.5 37.1 16.5 18.5 18.4 C = 100 % 5.6 24.9 28.4 8.7 Distinct 77.8 9.2
Branta bernicla
Min 87.4 39.3 48.1 34.6 15.8 17.5 17.2 5.2 23.9 27.3 7.4 72.2 8.4
SD 3.3 2.1 1.8 1.8 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.3 0.6 0.8 0.8 4.1 0.6
Max 79.9 33.8 46.4 28.3 13.6 14.5 18.3 5.8 25.4 26.6 11.3 68.0 9.4
Ø 76.8 32.0 44.8 26.3 12.8 13.5 16.8 C = 100 % 5.4 24.0 25.1 9.8 Weak 62.2 8.5
Branta ruficollis
Min 72.2 29.4 42.7 23.2 11.0 12.6 15.4 4.7 23.2 24.1 8.7 58.7 8.3
SD 2.7 1.4 1.4 1.4 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.3 0.7 0.9 0.8 2.6 0.3
Max 115.8 53.4 62.5 53.0 30.4 18.9 22.4 8.2 29.1 32.4 14.8 100.9 11.9
Alopochen Ø 111.6 51.3 60.3 49.7 28.7 17.5 21.2 P = 90 % 7.4 28.1 31.5 12.8 Absent 96.3 10.9
aegyptiaca Min 107.8 48.6 58.1 47.5 26.8 14.9 19.7 C = 10 % 6.8 27.3 29.7 11.1 92.6 10.1
SD 2.5 1.4 1.6 1.6 0.9 1.2 0.7 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.1 2.9 0.6
Max 106.9 47.9 59.7 53.5 30.4 14.1 19.9 8.4 24.7 28.6 12.4 98.9 10.2
Tadorna Ø 101.9 45.1 56.8 49.9 28.0 13.4 18.4 P = 100 % 7.2 23.9 27.5 10.9 Absent 92.3 9.7
ferruginea Min 94.1 41.7 52.4 44.9 24.8 12.6 17.2 6.3 23.2 25.6 9.6 84.4 9.1
SD 3.7 1.7 2.1 2.4 1.6 0.5 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.8 1.0 4.1 0.3
Max 105.4 49.2 56.2 58.2 33.0 14.3 18.3 6.3 23.6 28.4 7.7 102.8 12.1
Ø 97.7 44.5 53.2 53.4 29.7 12.8 17.1 D = 100 % 5.2 22.7 26.9 7.1 Weak 93.9 10.3
Tadorna tadorna
Min 89.1 39.8 49.3 48.1 26.4 11.2 15.7 3.8 21.8 25.3 6.1 84.9 9.3
SD 4.9 2.6 2.4 3.1 1.8 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.5 5.3 0.8
Max 81.7 34.6 47.1 35.3 20.3 10.6 14.9 4.6 23.1 24.0 9.4 67.1 7.1
Ø 78.2 33.0 45.2 33.3 19.1 9.8 14.2 C = 80 % 4.3 22.7 23.2 8.8 Absent 64.2 6.7
Aix galericulata
Min 74.5 30.3 43.0 30.7 17.0 9.3 13.8 P = 20 % 3.7 22.0 22.2 7.4 61.3 6.3
SD 2.1 1.1 1.3 1.3 0.8 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.7 0.6 1.8 0.3
Max 89.1 39.4 49.7 41.2 26.6 10.1 16.1 5.4 22.7 23.9 6.6 78.6 8.7
Ø 84.4 36.4 48.0 38.3 24.4 9.3 15.2 P = 100 % 4.9 21.8 23.4 6.0 Weak 74.2 8.3
Anas penelope
Min 81.0 34.3 46.5 35.6 22.0 8.3 13.9 4.6 21.1 22.6 5.5 70.6 7.9
SD 2.3 1.3 1.2 1.5 1.2 0.5 0.7 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.4 2.3 0.3
 ELLROTT & SCHMITZ, SKULL IDENTIFICATION KEY FOR CENTRAL EUROPEAN WATERFOWL 351

Skull Upper Bill Cranium Lower Bill

TL UBL CL TOL PL NL BWUB UBS UBH CH CW SOW SG LBL LBH
Max 100.5 47.8 52.6 51.5 34.4 12.0 16.3 6.0 22.0 23.7 8.1 93.2 9.4
Ø 96.3 45.3 51.0 48.1 31.7 11.4 15.6 P = 100 % 5.4 21.3 23.1 7.3 Absent 87.4 8.6
Anas stepera
Min 92.3 42.7 48.4 45.2 30.6 10.2 14.6 4.9 20.8 22.3 6.8 81.8 8.0
SD 2.4 1.5 1.1 1.7 1.1 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 3.1 0.4
Max 81.9 39.0 43.9 42.9 28.5 9.8 13.0 5.6 20.9 21.2 7.2 74.5 7.4
Ø 79.0 36.5 42.5 39.9 26.3 8.5 12.5 P = 100 % 4.9 20.2 19.6 6.4 Absent 70.4 6.7
Anas crecca
Min 76.2 34.2 41.3 37.9 24.4 7.5 11.2 4.5 19.0 18.3 5.1 68.1 6.3
SD 1.9 1.5 0.8 1.5 1.2 0.7 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.8 0.6 2.1 0.3
Max 117.4 57.6 59.8 62.6 38.2 15.7 21.3 8.6 27.2 28.9 10.6 107.3 10.6
Anas Ø 109.5 53.1 56.5 58.4 36.1 13.7 19.3 P = 60 % 7.8 26.3 26.6 9.8 Absent 99.7 9.9
platyrhynchos Min 103.5 48.3 54.3 53.1 32.8 11.9 18.3 D = 40 % 7.1 25.4 25.2 8.3 92.4 8.6
SD 4.4 2.9 1.7 3.2 2.0 1.0 0.9 0.4 0.5 1.1 0.6 4.6 0.6
Max 111.3 54.5 56.7 61.2 39.0 13.5 17.4 8.2 25.0 26.9 10.0 103.1 10.3
Ø 104.5 50.6 53.9 55.9 35.9 12.4 16.5 P = 50 % 6.7 23.8 25.8 9.0 Absent 96.0 9.6
Anas acuta
Min 95.9 45.8 50.2 51.1 32.6 10.8 15.7 D = 50 % 5.2 23.0 23.7 8.2 86.9 8.8
SD 4.4 2.5 2.0 3.0 1.8 0.9 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.6 4.5 0.4
Max 83.5 40.5 43.5 44.2 29.3 10.0 14.6 6.7 20.3 21.0 6.9 74.9 7.4
Anas Ø 80.3 37.8 42.4 41.8 27.0 9.5 13.8 P = 90 % 5.6 19.8 19.9 6.2 Absent 71.9 6.7
querquedula Min 76.6 36.1 40.3 39.5 24.7 8.7 13.1 D = 10 % 4.9 19.4 18.3 5.6 69.3 6.2
SD 1.9 1.2 0.9 1.4 1.2 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.3 0.9 0.4 1.6 0.3
Max 121.5 66.6 54.9 71.8 49.2 15.2 16.1 10.0 22.9 22.8 7.5 112.6 8.7
Ø 112.8 60.8 52.0 66.0 43.8 13.9 15.2 D = 100 % 8.2 21.8 21.9 6.8 Absent 104.8 8.1
Anas clypeata
Min 106.2 56.9 49.3 59.2 40.3 12.2 14.3 6.8 21.0 21.1 5.3 99.3 7.4
SD 5.2 3.4 2.0 4.2 2.9 0.8 0.6 0.9 0.5 0.6 0.7 4.8 0.4
Max 104.1 53.3 51.9 53.8 32.5 15.7 24.4 5.5 23.7 27.3 8.9 93.7 9.8
Ø 100.1 50.4 49.8 51.4 30.6 14.1 22.6 C = 80 % 4.1 22.7 26.3 8.0 Absent (or weak) 89.3 9.2
Netta rufina
Min 94.4 46.9 47.5 48.2 27.9 12.8 21.4 P = 20 % 3.3 21.8 25.4 6.9 84.4 8.7
SD 2.9 1.9 1.3 1.7 1.4 0.8 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.6 0.5 2.5 0.3
Max 104.4 51.5 53.4 54.9 32.6 14.2 19.4 7.7 25.5 27.5 9.1 96.1 11.1
Ø 99.2 47.3 51.9 51.0 30.1 13.1 18.7 P = 100 % 6.7 24.7 26.9 7.9 Absent (or weak) 90.6 10.5
Aythya ferina
Min 95.5 44.6 50.3 47.2 28.1 12.2 16.9 5.2 24.1 26.2 6.9 86.9 9.7
SD 2.5 1.8 1.0 1.9 1.2 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.7 2.6 0.5
Max 89.0 43.0 46.0 46.0 27.5 11.9 18.2 7.1 23.1 24.7 8.6 79.3 8.6
Ø 85.4 40.9 44.5 43.9 25.9 10.8 16.5 P = 80 % 5.8 22.2 23.7 8.2 Absent 76.2 7.9
Aythya nyroca
Min 80.7 38.3 42.4 40.9 24.2 9.8 13.8 D = 20 % 5.1 21.5 22.8 7.8 71.0 7.2
SD 2.3 1.2 1.1 1.4 0.9 0.6 1.3 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.2 2.2 0.4
Max 97.0 45.9 51.1 50.8 27.8 13.7 22.0 7.6 24.1 26.1 8.3 88.6 10.9
Ø 87.7 40.3 47.4 44.9 25.6 11.6 19.3 D = 70 % 6.8 22.3 24.7 7.6 Absent or weak 78.4 9.0
Aythya fuligula
Min 83.9 37.4 44.8 41.9 23.9 10.7 17.9 P = 30 % 6.2 21.2 23.9 7.2 74.6 8.3
SD 3.4 2.1 1.5 2.2 1.1 0.8 1.1 0.5 0.8 0.7 0.3 3.7 0.7
Max 99.1 46.1 53.0 51.5 28.5 13.8 21.5 8.9 24.5 28.8 7.5 91.6 11.7
Ø 95.5 44.0 51.5 49.3 26.9 13.0 20.0 D = 100 % 7.7 23.4 26.8 7.0 Distinct or weak 87.0 10.3
Aythya marila
Min 89.6 41.4 48.2 45.6 25.2 12.3 18.3 5.9 22.1 25.1 6.3 80.9 9.0
SD 2.7 1.4 1.4 1.7 1.0 0.5 1.2 1.0 0.7 1.0 0.4 3.1 0.7
Max 130.6 58.7 73.2 61.9 26.9 25.7 26.0 10.1 28.8 34.9 8.5 120.5 17.2
Somateria Ø 125.7 56.0 69.7 59.1 25.7 23.0 24.0 C = 50 % 8.7 27.7 32.6 7.8 Distinct 114.2 15.5
mollissima Min 120.5 53.5 66.8 56.5 24.4 21.5 22.6 P = 50 % 7.3 26.8 30.5 6.4 107.9 14.6
SD 3.0 1.8 2.0 1.6 0.9 1.1 1.2 0.9 0.5 1.3 0.7 3.3 0.7
352 STUTTGARTER BEITRÄGE ZUR NATURKUNDE A Neue Serie 3

Skull Upper Bill Cranium Lower Bill

TL UBL CL TOL PL NL BWUB UBS UBH CH CW SOW SG LBL LBH
Max 83.1 32.0 51.4 39.4 16.0 14.1 17.4 8.3 21.4 27.0 6.0 75.5 8.0
Clangula Ø 79.5 30.6 48.9 37.2 15.2 13.0 16.5 P = 100 % 7.4 20.6 25.7 5.2 Distinct 72.2 7.4
hyemalis Min 75.2 28.4 46.4 34.8 14.3 12.0 15.4 6.6 19.8 24.4 4.7 68.4 6.9
SD 2.7 1.1 1.8 1.5 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.4 2.4 0.3
Max 92.9 38.2 55.9 44.2 15.7 15.7 20.9 9.8 27.7 28.9 17.1 81.5 10.1
Bucephala Ø 86.1 34.4 51.7 40.7 14.4 13.7 18.9 P = 80 % 8.6 25.5 27.0 13.1 Absent 75.6 8.8
clangula Min 80.5 31.4 48.2 37.6 13.2 12.2 16.7 C = 20 % 7.1 23.2 25.6 11.2 69.8 7.9
SD 4.8 2.3 2.7 2.7 0.7 1.0 1.4 0.8 1.5 1.2 2.0 4.8 0.8
Max 114.7 55.8 59.5 62.7 28.8 17.1 27.0 8.3 27.4 30.3 10.3 106.8 12.8
Ø 108.5 51.8 56.6 58.4 26.6 16.3 24.2 P = 80 % 7.4 26.1 29.0 8.9 Distinct 99.7 11.4
Melanitta fusca
Min 100.3 47.3 53.1 53.8 23.9 15.5 21.8 D = 20 % 6.6 24.8 27.2 7.7 92.8 10.2
SD 5.5 3.5 2.2 3.5 1.8 0.5 1.9 0.7 1.0 1.1 0.7 5.4 0.9
Max 103.7 50.8 52.9 56.2 24.9 14.8 22.6 7.9 26.4 28.3 8.5 96.8 11.1
Ø 97.3 45.8 51.4 51.3 22.5 13.5 20.5 P = 90 % 5.6 24.9 26.8 7.1 Distinct 89.8 10.6
Melanitta nigra
Min 91.8 41.5 48.9 47.3 20.7 12.5 17.0 C = 10 % 4.1 23.8 25.3 6.0 82.6 9.8
SD 4.0 2.9 1.2 3.0 1.4 0.8 1.7 1.2 0.7 0.9 0.7 4.5 0.4
Max 78.9 38.3 41.6 35.0 17.5 11.9 12.1 2.6 20.6 25.2 7.6 70.3 8.3
Mergellus Ø 75.2 35.9 39.3 32.5 16.6 10.6 11.6 C = 100 % 2.3 19.9 23.7 6.5 Absent 66.1 7.6
albellus Min 70.0 32.4 37.5 29.4 15.0 9.3 9.8 2.0 19.4 22.7 5.8 59.2 5.8
SD 2.9 1.8 1.2 1.7 0.8 0.9 0.7 0.2 0.4 0.7 0.6 3.5 0.7
Max 118.5 72.3 47.4 66.8 45.0 17.1 14.5 2.5 20.4 30.0 7.5 114.4 8.6
Ø 108.4 64.0 44.4 60.2 39.1 14.7 13.0 C = 100 % 2.3 19.9 27.3 6.6 Absent 103.5 7.7
Mergus serrator
Min 97.7 56.0 41.7 51.4 34.1 13.2 11.5 2.1 19.2 25.5 6.0 90.4 6.9
SD 6.7 5.2 1.7 4.9 3.4 1.1 0.9 0.2 0.4 1.2 0.5 7.3 0.5
Max 124.0 70.6 54.1 64.4 36.8 18.3 17.5 2.8 22.3 32.2 12.5 117.4 10.6
Mergus Ø 115.6 64.4 51.1 59.5 33.6 16.4 15.3 C = 100 % 2.3 21.1 30.7 11.4 Mostly weak 109.0 9.1
merganser Min 103.4 55.6 47.0 51.6 28.7 14.1 13.0 1.9 19.8 29.1 9.4 96.3 7.5
SD 8.2 5.6 2.7 5.2 3.0 1.4 1.6 0.3 0.8 1.1 0.9 8.0 1.1
Max 85.7 40.7 45.7 43.9 22.4 15.8 18.5 7.5 22.5 23.5 8.5 77.1 9.7
Oxyura Ø 82.7 38.1 44.6 41.7 21.2 14.4 17.5 D = 100 % 6.1 21.1 22.8 6.2 Absent 74.6 8.7
jamaicensis Min 79.8 36.2 43.6 39.8 20.0 13.0 16.5 4.9 20.2 22.3 5.5 72.5 8.1
SD 1.6 1.3 0.7 1.1 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.8 1.4 0.4

3 Identification key lary is thickened and spongious, whereas in Cygnus it is flat-

tened; Cygnus atratus (only a single skull studied): UBL ca.
The complete data set of all 37 species (each based on 10 142 mm, length of lacrimal ca. 23 mm, SG distinct]. ............
specimens) is presented in Tab. 2. .......................................................(A n s e r i n i : Cygnus) 5
– UBL < 140 mm and length of lacrimal < 23 mm. ................ 7
1 Upper bill narrow, < 9 mm wide (measured in the middle of 5 Braincase flattened in lateral view, dorsal roof of the brain-
the bill between tip and naris). ...................... (M e r g i n i ) 2 case with a slight transverse depression dorsally (Fig. 3a);
– Upper bill broadened, duck- or goose-like, > 9 mm wide..... 4 protrusion above the bill usually present (particularly in
2 Premaxillary anterior to naris relatively short: PL < 1.5 times males); processus orbitalis of lacrimal without rostral exten-
NL (Fig. 5a); UBL < 40 mm. – Fig. 44.....Mergellus albellus sion. – Fig. 8. .......................................................Cygnus olor
– Premaxillary anterior to naris relatively long: PL > 2 times – Braincase rounded in lateral view and without a transverse
NL (Fig. 5b, c); UBL > 40 mm. ............................................ 3 depression dorsally (Fig. 3b); protrusion above the bill ab-
3 SOW < 7.5 mm; PL (Ø 39.1 mm) about 2.5 times NL (Ø 14.7 mm); sent or slightly developed; processus orbitalis of lacrimal
bill tip slightly down curved (Fig. 5c). – Fig. 45. ....................... with rostral extension. .......................................................... 6
.....................................................................Mergus serrator 6 Bill long: TOL mostly > 85 mm (86–102 mm), PL 38.9–
– SOW > 9 mm; PL (Ø 33.6 mm) about 2 times NL (Ø 16.4 mm); 50.0 mm; processus orbitalis of lacrimal with a wide con-
bill tip often distinctly down curved (Fig. 5b). – Fig. 46. striction (width of constriction 6.5–10.0 mm) (Fig. 3b). –
................................................................ Mergus merganser Fig. 9...............................................................Cygnus cygnus
4 UBL > 140 mm and length of lacrimal (cf. Fig. 3) > 25 mm. – Bill shorter: TOL mostly < 85 mm (75–86 mm), PL 33.6–
[In large geese (Anser), the cross-section of the premaxil- 38.9 mm; processus orbitalis of lacrimal with a narrow
 ELLROTT & SCHMITZ, SKULL IDENTIFICATION KEY FOR CENTRAL EUROPEAN WATERFOWL 353

Fig. 1. Measurements of a duck skull (Aythya fuligula) in (a) dorsal and (b) lateral view. – For abbreviations see chapter 2.

constriction (width of constriction 4.5–7.0 mm). – Fig. 10. ... – Skull with at least two of the following three features: Edges
.....................................................................Cygnus bewickii of upper bill parallel or divergent in dorsal view; lower edge of
7 Skull with at least two of the following three features: Edges upper bill straight or convex in lateral view; premaxillary ante-
of upper bill convergent in dorsal view; lower edge of up- rior to naris single-layered at least in some lateral parts. ..... 16
per bill in lateral view concave over nearly its entire length; 8 Processus supraorbitalis of lacrimal (cf. Fig. 1) slightly devel-
premaxillary anterior to naris entirely filled with inner oped or blunt; SG always absent (Fig. 4a) (Anser). [Processus
spongy bone structure and bill tip curved rostrally. ............. supraorbitalis may be distinct in domestic breeds of Anser
..................................................................... (A n s e r i n i ) 8 anser, wild relatives have a maximum TL of 135 mm.] ....... 9
354 STUTTGARTER BEITRÄGE ZUR NATURKUNDE A Neue Serie 3

– Processus supraorbitalis of lacrimal distinct and curved 22 Upper and lower bill entirely upturned; posterior edge of or-
backwards; SG distinct or slightly developed (Fig. 4b). bit conspicuously rounded. – Fig. 22..........Tadorna tadorna
............................................................................. (Branta) 13 – Upper and lower bill not conspicuously upturned; posterior
9 Frontal region posterior to the fissura cranio-facialis medial- edge of orbit not conspicuously rounded. .......................... 23
ly slightly bulged in the midline (Fig. 7a, b). ..................... 10 23 Braincase stout, CW > 29 mm; bill goose-like, i. e. edges
– Frontal region posterior to the fissura cranio-facialis straight slightly convergent and curved at bill tip; front very wide in
or concave (Fig. 7c–e). ........................................................ 11 lacrimal area (Fig. 2). – Fig. 20..........Alopochen aegyptiaca
10 TOL 32–38 mm (see also Fig. 7a). – Fig. 14............................ – Braincase less stout, CW < 29 mm; bill duck-like, i. e. ± flat-
...................................................................Anser erythropus tened at bill tip (sometimes slightly curved in nail region);
– TOL 43–51 mm (see also Fig. 7b). – Fig. 13....Anser albifrons front less wide in lacrimal area.......................................... 24
11 PL 19–24 mm; culmen above the naris convex (Fig. 7e). – 24 Processus orbitalis of lacrimal narrow, its edges parallel or
Fig. 12. .............................................. Anser brachyrhynchus pointed apically. ........................................... (A y t h i n i ) 25
– PL > 26 mm. ........................................................................ 12 – Processus orbitalis of lacrimal apically plane and broad-
12 Basal width of premaxillary 15–18 mm (measured at the an- ened...........................(A n a t i n i + Tadorna ferruginea) 29
terior end of nares); NL 19–24 mm (Fig. 7d). – Fig. 11. ......... 25 Upper bill very flat, edges convergent, bill tip acuminate,
..........................................................................Anser fabalis BWUB > 21 mm. – Fig. 31. .................................Netta rufina
– Basal width of premaxillary 18–21 mm; NL 21–27 mm – Upper bill edges parallel or divergent, BWUB < 21 mm.......
(Fig. 7c). – Fig. 15. ...............................................Anser anser ..............................................................................(Aythya) 26
13 TOL > 50 mm. – Fig. 16. ..........................Branta canadensis 26 Upper bill edges parallel a n d TOL > 47 mm. – Fig. 32. ......
– TOL > 45 mm...................................................................... 14 ......................................................................... Aythya ferina
14 TL < 80 mm. – Fig. 19. ................................ Branta ruficollis – Upper bill edges divergent (if parallel then TOL < 47 mm). .. 27
– TL > 80 mm. ....................................................................... 15 27 Maximum upper bill width < 20 mm; ridge between nares
15 SG distinct; CH 23–26 mm. – Fig. 18. ........ Branta bernicla and bill tip rather flattened, < 7.1 mm high. – Fig. 33. ...........
– SG weakly developed or absent; CH 25–29 mm. – Fig. 17. ... ........................................................................ Aythya nyroca
....................................................................Branta leucopsis – Maximum upper bill width > 20 mm; ridge between nares
16 Processus supraorbitalis of lacrimal prominent, spine-shaped and bill tip less flattened, usually > 7.1 mm high............... 28
(Figs. 36, 43); edges of upper bill divergent and NL > 12 mm; 28 TL < 89 mm; width of fissura cranio-facialis < 11 mm; SG
SG mostly distinct. ................................................................. absent or very slightly developed; processus supraorbitalis
of lacrimal mostly small. – Fig. 34. .............. Aythya fuligula
(M e r g i n i without Mergus, Mergellus, and Bucephala) 17
– TL > 89 mm; width of fissura cranio-facialis > 11 mm; SG
– Processus supraorbitalis of lacrimal not prominent (if prom-
usually conspicuous; processus supraorbitalis of lacrimal
inent, as occasionally in Aythya marila and A. fuligula, then
mostly elongated. – Fig. 35. ............................ Aythya marila
edges of upper bill divergent and NL < 15 mm); SG mostly
29 TL < 90 mm. ....................................................................... 30
absent. ................................................................................. 19
– TL > 90 mm. ....................................................................... 32
17 TL < 85 mm. – Fig. 37. .............................Clangula hyemalis
30 CW > 22 mm, CH > 21 mm; processus supraorbitalis of
– TL > 120 mm. – Fig. 36...................... Somateria mollissima lacrimal distinct. – Fig. 24..............................Anas penelope
– TL 90–115 mm. ............................................... (Melanitta) 18 – CW < 22 mm, CH < 21 mm; processus supraorbitalis of
18 Minimum distance between nostrils > 2.5 mm; males with lacrimal short. .................................................................... 31
lateral protuberances near bill base. – Figs. 40, 41. ............... 31 Upper bill slightly diverging; maximum upper bill width
......................................................................Melanitta fusca 13.6–16.3 mm. – Fig. 29. .......................... Anas querquedula
– Minimum distance between nostrils < 2.5 mm; males with a – Upper bill edges parallel; maximum upper bill width 12.3–
pair of distinct protuberances between the nares and the fis- 13.6 mm. – Fig. 26...............................................Anas crecca
sura cranio-facialis. – Figs. 42, 43................Melanitta nigra 32 Bill extremely widened rostrally; maximum bill width 27–
19 Processus orbitalis of lacrimal elongated, sword-shaped, 33 mm. – Fig. 30...............................................Anas clypeata
reaches or extends beyond the vertical axis through the cen- – Bill edges at most slightly divergent; maximum bill width
tre of the orbit; premaxillary anterior to naris nearly as long < 25 mm. ............................................................................. 33
as naris. – Figs. 38, 39........................... Bucephala clangula 33 CH < 22.5 mm; rostral ventral edge of lacrimal and proces-
– Processus orbitalis of lacrimal thin or with broadened tip, sus orbitalis meet at a distinct angle (ca. 100°, see arrow in
never reaches the vertical axis through the centre of the or- Fig. 6a). – Fig. 25. .............................................. Anas stepera
bit; premaxillary anterior to naris at least 1.5 times NL. .. 20 – CH > 22.5 mm; rostral ventral edge of lacrimal and proces-
20 Upper bill flattened, its edges divergent and bill tip conspic- sus orbitalis meet in a slight curve (Fig. 6b–e). ................. 34
uously upturned; PL ca. 1.5 times NL; processus orbitalis of 34 Dorsal contour of lacrimal slightly convex in lateral view;
lacrimal short, blunt; posterior edge of orbit conspicuously longitudinal axis of processus postorbitalis directed below
rounded. – Fig. 47. .................................Oxyura jamaicensis the posterior extension of the tomium (Fig. 6d); PL < 31 mm.
– Upper bill shaped differently; PL at least 2 times NL; proces- – Fig. 21. ................................................. Tadorna ferruginea
sus orbitalis of lacrimal elongated; posterior edge of orbit (ex- – Dorsal contour of lacrimal straight or protruding only poste-
cept in Tadorna tadorna) not conspicuously rounded........ 21 riorly in lateral view; processus postorbitalis projects more
21 Bill narrow, i. e. < 13 mm wide in rostral third of the bill a n d caudally towards the posterior extension of the tomium
bill edges convergent; SOW < 7.3 mm. – Fig. 23. .................. (Fig. 6c); PL > 31 mm.......................................................... 35
.....................................................................Aix galericulata 35 BWUB > 18 mm; dorsal contour of lacrimal straight in later-
– Bill relatively wide, i. e. width in rostral third of the bill al view (Fig. 6c). – Fig. 27. .....................Anas platyrhynchos
> 13 mm (if < 13 mm, then upper bill edges not convergent); – BWUB < 18 mm; dorsal contour of lacrimal slightly convex
SOW > 7.3 mm. ................................................................... 22 in lateral view (Fig. 6b). – Fig. 28........................ Anas acuta
 ELLROTT & SCHMITZ, SKULL IDENTIFICATION KEY FOR CENTRAL EUROPEAN WATERFOWL 355

Figs. 2–7. Details of skulls of Anseriformes. – 2. Alopochen aegyptiaca, (a) cranium in dorsal view, (b) upper bill. 3. Cranium and
basal part of upper bill of (a) Cygnus olor and (b) C. cygnus [A = transverse depression, B = rostral extension of processus orbitalis].
4. Interorbital isthmus, (a) without (Anser) and (b) with (Branta) salt gland fossa. 5. Upper bills of (a) Mergellus albellus, (b) Mergus
merganser (with variation), (c) M. serrator (with variation). 6. Lacrimal region of (a) Anas stepera, (b) A. acuta, (c) A. platyrhynchos,
(d) Tadorna ferruginea. 7. Upper bill of (a) Anser erythropus, (b) A. albifrons, (c) A. anser, (d) A. fabalis, (e) A. brachyrhynchus.
356 STUTTGARTER BEITRÄGE ZUR NATURKUNDE A Neue Serie 3

Figs. 8–10. Skulls of Anseriformes, lateral view. – 8. Cygnus olor. 9. C. cygnus. 10. C. bewickii. – Scale: 5 cm.
 ELLROTT & SCHMITZ, SKULL IDENTIFICATION KEY FOR CENTRAL EUROPEAN WATERFOWL 357

Figs. 11–15. Skulls of Anseriformes, lateral view. – 11. Anser fabalis. 12. A. brachyrhynchus. 13. A. albifrons. 14. A. erythropus.
15. A. anser. – Scale: 5 cm.
358 STUTTGARTER BEITRÄGE ZUR NATURKUNDE A Neue Serie 3

Figs. 16–22. Skulls of Anseriformes, lateral view. – 16. Branta canadensis. 17. B. leucopsis. 18. B. bernicla. 19. B. ruficollis. 20. Alo-
pochen aegyptiaca. 21. Tadorna ferruginea. 22. T. tadorna. – Scale: 5 cm.
 ELLROTT & SCHMITZ, SKULL IDENTIFICATION KEY FOR CENTRAL EUROPEAN WATERFOWL 359

Figs. 23–31. Skulls of Anseriformes, lateral view. – 23. Aix galericulata. 24. Anas penelope. 25. A. stepera. 26. A. crecca. 27. A. pla-
tyrhynchos. 28. A. acuta. 29. A. querquedula. 30. A. clypeata. 31. Netta rufina. – Scale: 5 cm.
360 STUTTGARTER BEITRÄGE ZUR NATURKUNDE A Neue Serie 3

Figs. 32–39. Skulls of Anseriformes, lateral view. – 32. Aythya ferina. 33. A. nyroca. 34. A. fuligula. 35. A. marila. 36. Somateria
mollissima. 37. Clangula hyemalis. 38. Bucephala clangula ♂. 39. B. clangula ♀. – Scale: 5 cm.
 ELLROTT & SCHMITZ, SKULL IDENTIFICATION KEY FOR CENTRAL EUROPEAN WATERFOWL 361

Figs. 40–47. Skulls of Anseriformes, lateral view. – 40. Melanitta fusca ♂. 41. M. fusca ♀. 42. M. nigra ♂. 43. M. nigra ♀. 44. Mergellus
albellus. 45. Mergus serrator. 46. M. merganser. 47. Oxyura jamaicensis. – Scale: 5 cm.
362 STUTTGARTER BEITRÄGE ZUR NATURKUNDE A Neue Serie 3

4 References ELLROTT, C. (2008): Vergleichend ökomorphologische Untersu-

chungen an Schädeln mitteleuropäischer Entenvögel (Anse-
BARTHEL, P. H. & HELBIG, A. J. (2005): Artenliste der Vögel riformes). – Graduate thesis, Constance University, 67 pp.
Deutschlands. – Limicola 19: 89–111. GOODMAN, D. C. & FISHER, H. I. (1962): Functional Anatomy of
BAUER, H.-G., BEZZEL, E. & FIEDLER, W. (eds.) (2005): Das Kom- the feeding apparatus in waterfowl (Aves: Anatidae), 193 pp.;
pendium der Vögel Mitteleuropas. Alles über Biologie, Ge- Carbondale (Southern Illinois University Press).
fährdung und Schutz, vol. 1 Nonpasseriformes – Nichtsper- HOYO, J. DEL, ELLIOTT, A. & SARGATAL, J. (1992) (eds.): Handbook
lingsvögel, 808 pp.; Wiesbaden (Aula). of the birds of the world, vol. 1 (Ostrich to ducks), 696 pp.;
BROWN, R., FERGUSON, J., LAWRENCE, M. & LEES, D. (2003): Fe- Barcelona (Lynx Edicions).
dern, Spuren und Zeichen der Vögel Europas – Ein Feldfüh- JANSEN, J. & GESTEL, W. VAN (2009): Skullsite. www.skullsite.com.
rer, 3rd edition, 336 pp.; Wiebelsheim (Aula). MICKOLEIT, G. (2004): Phylogenetische Systematik der Wirbel-
tiere, 671 pp.; München (Friedrich Pfeil).

Manuscript received: 9.X.2009, accepted: 26.XI.2009.

Authors’ addresses:
CHRISTIAN ELLROTT, Im Brühl 13, 78086 Brigachtal, Germany;
e-mail: christian.ellrott@googlemail.com
Dr. GREGOR SCHMITZ (corresponding author), Botanischer Garten, Universität Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany;
e-mail: gregor.schmitz@uni-konstanz.de