Description of Some Post-Cranial Bones of Malacorhynchus scarletti, a Large Extinct Pink-eared Duck From New Zealand

Abstract

The major post-cranial skeletal elements of Malacorhynchus scarletti, initially described from bill fragments only, are described on the basis of newly recognised bones from the type locality, Pyramid Valley Swamp, New Zealand. The skeletal structure is very similar to that of M. membranaceus but the Australian species is considerably smaller. The skeletal structure of M. scarletti conforms with this duck having been a specialist filter-feeder that dabbled in shallow water.