Recent molecular studies have suggested a relation with grebes,[9][10][11] while morphological evidence also strongly supports a relationship between flamingos and grebes. They hold at least eleven morphological traits in common, which are not found in other birds. Many of these characteristics have been previously identified on flamingos, but not on grebes.[12] The fossil palaelodids can be considered evolutionarily, and ecologically, intermediate between flamingos and grebes