Identification key of Iberian waders (Charadriiformes) based on the os quadratum

Abstract

Two hundred and fifty seven skulls belonging to 28 wader species from several osteological collections were analysed to elaborate an identification key based on the os quadratum. The presence / absence of foramen processi otici, presence / absence of foramen processi orbitale, number of processus orbitalis foramina, profile of the processus orbitalis and condylar formula has been used. This key identifies 75% of the species concerned at specific level.