A field study of the Australian Dotterel

Abstract

The Australian Dotterel Peltohyas australis inhabited sparsely vegetated claypans and gibber plains in western New South Wales. Non-breeding flocks averaged 13 birds, but one flock of 99 was counted. Activity within a flock was highly co-ordinated. Only two vocalizations were noted. Predators, anti-predator behaviour and comfort movements are described. The Australian Dotterel is mainly nocturnal. It withstood heat well; it fed extensively on succulent leaves by day, probably as a source,of water. At night it fed mainly on insects. Non-breeding adults had an eclipse plumage. Histology of the testes showed that the species was getting ready to breed in February; this was confirmed by data from the RAOU Nest Record Cards. Histology of the supraorbital salt glands showed that they are probably active in ionic regulation of body fluids. Behavioural evidence confirms that Peltohyas is a plover (Charadriidae) and not a courser (Glareolidae).