Comparative notes on black-fronted and red-kneed dotterels

Abstract

The Black-fronted Dotterel Charadrius melanops is a typical member of its genus, showing strong behavioural, morphological and ecological affinities with C. tricollaris of Africa. It inhabits mainly firm gravelly shorelines of fresh inland waters. It is not gregarious. The clutch is two or three eggs laid in a sparsely lined scrape among stones from four to 300 metres from water. The eggs look very like stones.

The Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus is a somewhat aberrant charadriine plover inhabiting muddy shores of shallow temporary inland waters. It is highly gregarious. The clutch is four eggs laid on a substantial nest platform built under a plant on mud at, or close to, water level. The markings of the eggs are unusual. The highly aquatic adults and young have unique plumage characteristics; these and other peculiar behavioural, morphological and ecological features justify the position of this species in a monotypic genus.