A review of the biology of the Australian desert waders, Stiltia and Peltohyas

Abstract

A review of the literature of the two Australian semidesert waders the Australian Dotterel Peltohyas australis and the Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella, is given. Aspects dealt with in both species include systematics, distribution, movements, habitats, social organization, behaviour, food and feeding, and breeding biology. These aspects are discussed with a view to further study. Matters deserving special attention are plumage patterns of chicks, behaviour patterns of adults, parental care (with special reference to the biophysics of incubation in Peltohyas and the use of burrows by the young of Stiltia) and all adaptive features to an arid environment. Such studies should lead to a better understanding of desert biology and of the systematic positions of both species.