[3] The distal part in the humeri of Miobaptus is different from extant grebes as the surface is flat and overall the wingbones more elongated.

In contrast the distal ends in the humeri of extant grebes the surfaces is more concave, and overall they have much shorter wingbones.

[3] Miobaptus is placed basally in the phylogenetic tree of grebes where similarities have been made between this genus and Palaelodidae.

The palaelodids is an extinct family of Phoenicopteriformes where they have been suggested to be the transitional form between flamingos and grebes.

Based on their anatomy it shows that Miobaptus was much better capable at flying than modern grebes (though it was not as specialized in being aquatic).