Bustards (Aves: Otididae) from the Middle Miocene of Mongolia

Key Points

• These fossil remains of bustards confirm their presence in Inner Asia during the Middle Miocene, highlighting their ancient diversity.
• The discovery of Shargaotis ignipes provides evidence for the evolutionary lineage of modern bustards, being the oldest identified member of a specific clade.
• Analysis of remains from the Sharga locality contributes significant insights into the morphology and distribution of the Otididae family.
• Understanding these fossils sheds light on the ecological dynamics of Inner Asia during the Middle Miocene period.