On the systematic position of the Middle Eocene swift Aegialornis szarskiiPeters 1985 with description of a new swift-like bird from Messel (Aves, Apodiformes)

The systematic position of the swift Aegialornis szarskii PETERS 1985 from the Middle Eocene of Messel (Hessen, Germany) is revised. The species is cl assified within the Apodidae and referred to the genus Scaniacypselus HARRI SON 1984. A new specimen with excellent preservation of the feathering show s that the wing of Scaniacypselus szarskii closely resembled that of modern swifts, and that the tail was only slightly forked. Another yet unnamed ta xon of swift-like birds from Messel is described, which differs from Scania cypselus szarskii in its size and in the proportions of the wing elements.