Fossilienfundst/itte M ssel Nr. 125 *): The mousebirds (Aves: Coliiformes) from the Middle Eocene of Grube Messel

The monophyly of the Coliiformes (Sandcoleidae + Coliidae) is well corroborated with the recognition of len osteologieal synapomorphies. So far, four species of coliiform birds are known from the Middle Eocene of Grube Messel (Hessen, Germany). Members of both the Sandcoleidae and of the Cotiidae have been identified. Eoglaucidium pallas FISCHER 1987, originally assigned to the Strigiformes (owls), is referred to the Sandcoleidae and for the first time complete skeletons of this species are described. A second species of the Sandcoleidae with excellently preserved feather remains, has also been tentatively assigned to the genus Eoglaucidium. The monophyly of the four genera Eoglaucidium, Sandcoleus, Eobucco and Anneavis is define & Masillacolius brevidactylus n. g., n. sp. is the earliest record of the Coliidae known so far. It was not possible to assign the fourth species of coliiform bird (which is described elsewhere) to one of the two families with certainty. The resemblances that exist between the Reeent mousebirds and the "higher " non-passeriform and the passeriform birds respectively, most likely are due to convergenee