Larus Novaehollandiae Research Articles

Occurrence of dolphins and seabirds and their consumption of by-catch during prawn trawling in Spencer Gulf, South Australia

In the Spencer Gulf prawn fishery prawns are caught at night by trawling. Groups of dolphins, the short-beaked common dolphin ( Delphinus delphis) and the bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus), and seabirds, the silver gull and the pacific gull ( Larus novaehollandiae, Larus pacificus), feed on discarded by-catch. The dolphins follow the cod ends as they appear close to or on the surface. Here they pick or bite fish protruding through the cod end mesh or forage on discards. Seabirds pick floating objects. In order to quantify the importance of dolphins and seabirds as consumers of discarded by-catch, four series of surveys were undertaken using prawn trawlers engaged in commercial fishing thereby obtaining a large number of observations simultaneously over a large area and at different seasons. On three successive nights, each night on three occasions, after the first trawl shot, at midnight and after the last shot of the night, the trawler skippers recorded the numbers of seabirds and dolphins feeding on discarded by-catch. The mean number of dolphins per boat and observation varied between seasons with 0.5–1.3 dolphins/boat/observation. At the northerly Site 1, 3.4 dolphins were recorded per boat and observation while at the more southerly sites (Sites 2–5), 0.5–0.8 dolphins were observed per boat and observation. No significant difference between observations at night was observed. The occurrence of seabirds varied between sites but not between season and time of night. The largest numbers of seabirds was observed at Sites 1 and 4 with a mean of 2.2 and 2.8 seabirds per observation. It was concluded that an estimated 18–183 t of discards are consumed per year by dolphins constituting 0.3–2.6% of the discarded by-catch. Seabirds potentially consume 1647–165 kg discards per year from the Spencer Gulf prawn fishery, which constitute less than 0.03% of the discarded by-catch.

Comparison of Helicobacter spp. genetic sequences in wild and captive seals, and gulls

Helicobacter species are widely distributed in the gastrointestinal system of humans and many animal taxa. Investigations of natural infections are essential to elucidating their role within the host. The feces of fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus and sea lions Neophoca cinerea from 3 separate captive populations, as well as a wild colony from Kangaroo Island, Australia, were examined for the occurrence of Helicobacter spp. The feces from several wild silver gulls Larus novahollandiae were also investigated. As detected by PCR, 18 of 21 samples from captive and 12 of 16 samples from wild seals were positive for Helicobacter spp. Three species were identified in these animals. Whilst one possibly novel type was identified from wild fur seals, the majority of wild and captive individuals had the same species. This species also occurred in more than 1 seal type and in silver gulls, and shared a 98.1 to 100% identity to other Helicobacter spp. from harp seals and sea otters. A similar sequence type to species identified from cetaceans was also detected in several captive seals. This study reports for the first time the presence of Helicobacter spp. in wild and captive seals and demonstrates the diversity and broad-host range of these organisms in the marine host.

New records of gastrointestinal helminths from the red‐billed gull (Larus novaehollandiae scopulinus)

Eight species of gastrointestinal helminths were obtained from the red‐billed gull (Larus novaehollandiae scopulinus Forster, 1844) from Otago Peninsula, of which six were new host records. One of these, Maritrema novaezelandensis (Trematoda), was a species new to science which is being described elsewhere; the other five were Curtuteria australis (Trematoda), Echinoparyphium recurvatum (Trematoda), Cladogynia latovarium (Cestoda), Capillaria sp. (Nematoda), and Profilicollis novaezelandensis (Acanthocephala). Cladogynia latovarium (Cestoda) and Capillaria sp. (Nematoda) were present in 14 of the 16 birds.

Distribution and abundance of seabirds in Western Port, Victoria

The distribution, abundance and biomass of seabirds in Western Port, Victoria, were surveyed between April 1991 and August 1994. Individuals were counted along an 81-km series of transects from a boat at approximately monthly intervals. A total of 25 seabird taxa were recorded, of which 18 and 15 were common to those recorded by an earlier study in Port Phillip Bay and waters south of Phillip Island, respectively. The most numerous species by far was the Short-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris) followed by the Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae), Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) and Crested Tern (Sterna bergii). Distribution within Western Port was not uniform, with pursuit divers such as cormorant and grebe species being recorded mostly in the shallow Eastern Arm. In contrast, surface-seizing (e.g. albatrosses), surface-plunging (e.g. Crested Terns), shallow-plunging (Australasian Gannet, Morus serrator) and pursuit-plunging (e.g. shearwaters) species predominated in the deeper Western Arm of Western Port. These species were also seasonally abundant, with peak numbers for most occurring in late summer-early autumn, which coincides with the reported influx of juvenile clupeoid fish into Western Port. Average biomass (686 ± 395 kg) comprised mostly Short-tailed Shearwaters, Little Penguins and Pied Cormorants (Phalacrocorax varius). Biomass density (8.5 kg km 2) was similar to that reported for Port Phillip Bay (8.1 kg km−2) but lower than off the southern coast of Phillip Island (9.9 kg km−2).

Why do snakes have eyes? The (non-)effect of blindness in island tiger snakes ( Notechis scutatus )

Large (to >1 m), diurnally active tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) are abundant on Carnac Island, near the coast of Western Australia. Our behavioural and mark-recapture studies provide the first ecological data on this population, and reveal a surprising phenomenon. Many adult tiger snakes have had their eyes destroyed, apparently during nest defence, by silver gulls (Larus novaehollandiae). This loss of vision did not reduce the snakes' body condition (mass relative to length), or their rates of growth or survival (measured over a 12-month period). Blind male snakes trail-followed females, and mated successfully. Thus, destruction of a major sensory modality had no detectable effect on these predators. This result is strongly counter-intuitive, but mirrors an earlier report of congenital blindness (without ill-effects) in American viperid snakes. Similarities between the two systems (island populations, highly venomous snakes, reliance on sessile prey) clarify the circumstances under which the loss of vision does not reduce an organism's viability. These natural experiments support Gans' hypothesis of “momentarily excessive construction” in that the snakes possess a complex organ system that they do not actually require for successful feeding, survival or reproduction.

Water flows on Cooper Creek in arid Australia determine ‘boom’ and ‘bust’ periods for waterbirds

Cooper Creek is probably the longest and most important dryland river in Australia and one of the largest endorheic catchments in the world. Long dry periods (‘busts’) are punctuated by floods of high productivity (‘boom’ periods). Data on waterbird distribution and abundance were collected during a boom period (1989/1990 flood) when Cooper Creek ran into Lake Eyre and overflowed into Strzelecki Creek to fill Lake Blanche. There were about 500 000 waterbirds in December 1990: Lower Cooper (138 000), Lake Eyre (325 000), Lake Blanche (40 000). Given underestimates of aerial surveys, conceivably there were one million waterbirds, making the area one of the most important for waterbirds in Australia. Colonies of Australian pelicans, cormorants, black swans, terns and silver gulls established during this flood. We used flow data and rainfall to estimate how often such habitat (boom periods) is created over a 100-year period, 1885–1995. Rainfall (cumulative index of four rainfall stations—Muttaburra, Tangorin, Isisford and Innamincka), was significantly related to total annual flow (ML), measured at Cullamurra (R2=0.86). We estimated that the Lower Cooper (south of Lake Hope) receives water about every 4.5 years but these floods seldom reach Lake Eyre (8 years in 100 years). There is water in Lake Hope and the Lower Cooper Creek: respectively, 62% and 39% of the time. Cooper Creek overflowed into Strzelecki Creek when there were large floods (1906, 1950, 1974) or two or more consecutive years of high flows (1916–1918, 1955–1956, 1989–1990). Lake Blanche filled six times and Lake Callabonna filled four times in 100 years. Occasionally, local rainfall also fills lakes (e.g. Lake Callabonna in 1931). Like all terminal river systems, these wetlands depend predominantly on upstream flows of water. Potential irrigation developments in the catchment will divert water from the river and decrease the frequency and flooding of wetlands of the Lower Cooper. There will be fewer feeding areas and less breeding opportunities for waterbirds. Boom periods will be shorter and bust periods longer. ©

Interspecific and Locational Differences in Heavy Metal Levels in Four Species of Birds Near Sydney, Australia

We examined the levels of cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium in four species of birds near Sydney, New South Wales, Australia in January, 1996. Molted contour feathers were collected from silver gull, Larus novaehollandiae (Royal National Park and downtown Sydney), sulphur-crested cockatoo, Cacatua sulphurea (Blue Mountains, Royal National Park, and Sydney), Australian white ibis, Threskiornis molucca (Sydney), and rock dove Columba livia (Royal National Park and Sydney). We tested the null hypothesis that there were no species or locational differences in metal levels. There were significant species differences in all metals, with rock doves having the highest levels of cadmium, chromium, lead, and manganese, and silver gulls having the highest levels of mercury and selenium. Metal levels were generally low in cockatoos, and were lowest in those from the Royal National Park. For silver gulls, cadmium, lead, and chromium levels were highest at Sydney, and there were no locational differences in manganese, mercury, and selenium levels. For rock doves, cadmium, chromium and manganese were higher in Sydney, and there were no locational differences in lead, mercury, and selenium. Overall, cadmium and chromium levels were significantly higher in Sydney than in the Royal National Park for all species, and there were no locational differences in mercury levels. Although the levels of most metals in feathers from these Australian birds were within the ranges reported worldwide, lead levels in ibises and rock doves were among the highest reported worldwide, suggesting a cause for concern.

Population change among Pacific, kelp and silver gulls using natural and artificial feeding sites in south-eastern Tasmania

The kelp gull, Larus dominicanus, which is widely distributed around the southern hemisphere, has become established in Australia only in the past half-century. The greatest numbers of kelp gulls in Australia are now found in south-eastern Tasmania in sympatry with the two endemic species, the morphologically similar Pacific gull, L. pacificus, and the smaller silver gull, L. novaehollandiae. We examined populations of the three species in this area. We surveyed large refuse tips and specific shoreline sites in the Hobart area regularly during the winter months in 1981 and again in 1992, recording numbers of each species, and age classes of kelp and Pacific gulls. Between the two survey periods, the number of Pacific gulls and the total number of all gulls present at refuse tips remained unchanged. There was, however, a marked increase in the number of kelp gulls at tips, equivalent to an annual rate of increase of 22.8%, and a corresponding decrease in the number of silver gulls. Kelp gulls of all ages were over-represented at refuse tips, while adult Pacific gulls fed preferentially at more natural shoreline sites. At shoreline sites, adult Pacific gulls appeared to exclude kelp gulls from small bays in 1981, but kelp gulls were present in most of these bays eleven years later. Reducing access to food at refuse tips may be an effective means of controlling the kelp gull population in this area.

The limnology of Lake Torrens, an episodic salt lake of central Australia, with particular reference to unique events in 1989

Lake Torrens, a large (∼ 6000 km2), episodic, saline playa lake in arid central Australia, filled for the first recorded time in March 1989. This unique event followed unprecedently heavy rain over its catchment. Water remained in the lake until early 1990. Salinities remained low ( 200 g l-1 before the water evaporated completely. Na and Cl probably dominated the ions. Twenty-nine taxa of aquatic animals were recorded. Crustaceans dominated and of these Parartemia minuta (anostracan), Daphniopsis queenslandensis and Moina baylyi (cladocerans), and several species of ostracods were the most important. Other significant taxa included Tanytarsus barbitarsis (chironomid), Brachionus plicatilis (rotifer) and Craterocephalus eyresii (fish). The fauna was dominated by widespread forms that are either part of a distinct assemblage found widely in central Australian salt lakes (especially P. minuta, D. queenslandensis, M. baylyi and Trigonocypris subglobusus [ostracod]), or cosmopolitan forms (B. plicatilis), or forms found widely in Australian salt lakes (e.g. Diacypris compacta, Tanytarsus barbitarsis). However, possibly three new species also occurred: a new species of a new genus of mytilocypridinid, Branchinella nov.sp. and Heterocypris nov. sp. Their occurrence is anomolous. It is suggested that further work will show that they too are widely distributed. Both genera of the latter two taxa are typical of temporary waters and specimens may have been washed in from nearby water-bodies. Sixty-four species of bird were recorded when the lake contained water, many breeding. The breeding of the banded stilt (Cladorhynchus leucocephalus) was notable; breeding of this species had been unknown in South Australia since 1930. A large population built up until breeding was stopped by predation from the silver gull (Larus novaehollandiae). When dry, the lake has a depauperate but well-defined and regionally restricted ‘terrestrial’ fauna (scorpions, spiders, beetles, ants).

The Effect of Food Stealing by Silver Gulls Larus novaehollandiae on the Foraging Efficiency of Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica

Silver Gulls Larus novaehollandiae stealing food from Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica were studied at three intertidal sand and mudflat sites on the estuary of the Parramatta River, New South Wales, between December 1993 and March 1994. Godwits preyed exclusively on polychaete worms ranging from 2-9 cm in length. Densities of foraging gulls were similar at the three sites, at 30.0, 26.4 and 27.4 birds/ha. but godwit densities were dissimilar, at 26.4, 2.9 and 1.0 birds/ha. Frequencies of prey stealing attempts by gulls were 0.7, 0.23 and 0.70 per 10 min of godwit foraging time and were not related to the relative densities of gulls and godwits, nor to differences in the rates at which godwits caught prey. The godwits lost 0.6%, 0.1% and 1.0% of their prey to tht gulls and 3.0%, 0.2% and 2.5% of their foraging time through increased vigilance and avoidance of gulls. It was concluded that the gulls did not have a significant effect on the foraging efficiency of the godwits.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Biota from the Brisbane River Estuary, Australia

Six species of aquatic organisms from the Brisbane River estuarine system were sampled and their tissues analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These were the sea mullet,Mugil cephalus, bony bream,Nematolosa come, blue catfish,Arius graffei, mud crab,Scylla serrata, pelican,Pelecanus conspicillatus, and silver gull,Larus novaehollandiae. PAHs in the muscle (fish and birds) and soft (crab) tissue samples were isolated by first hydrolysing these samples and then solvent extraction followed by column chromatography. The compounds were then identified and quantified by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The samples contained low levels of PAHs that ranged in molecular weight from 128 (naphthalene) to 252 (benzo[k]fluoranthene). The highest total PAH level of 195ng g−1, wet weight, was recorded in mullet samples whereas the blue catfish samples yielded the lowest level of 43ng g−1. Relative ratios of low molecular weight (≤3-rings) compounds to those with high molecular weights (≤4-rings) suggested a petroleum related origin for the PAHs detected in the organisms. Results indicated that significant biomagnification of PAHs in the estuarine ecosystem sampled is highly unlikely. Characteristics such as the trophic level and size/age were not significant factors in determining the corresponding tissue PAH levels in the fish and crab species. Tissue lipid content, however, was found to be a primary factor in determining the PAH concentrations in fish species. PAH levels recorded in the samples are comparable to those levels reported from similarly urbanized areas in other geographical locations.

Organochlorine Pesticide Contamination in Three Species of Raptor and Their Prey in South Australia.

The extent of organochlorine pesticide contamination in 3 species of predatory birds from the central regions of South Australia was investigated. Residues in both eggs and tissue, as well as measurements of shell thickness, were obtained for Falco peregrinus (peregrine falcon), Pandion haliaetus (osprey) and Haliaeetus leucogaster (white-bellied sea eagle). Organochlorine residues in some prey species were also measured. Residues of DDE and DDT in the predatory birds were found to be low to moderate. Concn of total DDT were greatest in F. peregrinus (mean 1.82 mg/kg), followed by the H. leucogaster and P.haliaetus (mean 1.07 and 0.11 mg/kg, resp.). A comparison of F. peregrinus eggs collected before and after 1947 showed significant eggshell thinning (mean 16%). DDT residue levels of concern were recorded for several prey species commonly found in the diet of H. leucogaster and F. peregrinus, particularly in Columbia livia (feral pigeons) (37.46 mg/kg) and Larus novaehollandiae (silver gulls) (3.06 mg/kg). These concn were well above those known to cause reproductive failure in falcons. DDT was also found at high concn in eggs of Pelecanus conspicillatus (pelican) (mean 2.04 mg/kg). Dieldrin was present in most samples, but at low concn. The degree of pesticide contamination detected was considered sufficient to interfere with the reproduction of F. peregrinus in South Australia.

Birds of the Illawarra District, 1982–87

SummaryFrom 1982 to 1987, nine teams of observers performed bi-annual timed counts in autumn and spring (n= 12) to determine species richness, relative abundance, frequency of occurrence, distribution and diversity. Cumulatively, 61 observers counted 217 759 individuals of 238 species. In autumn and spring respectively, 198 and 217 species were recorded of which 104 (53%) and 122 (56%) were present in every count (n = 6). Thirty-one species were recorded only once in autumn (16% of total) and, by coincidence, also only once in spring (14% of total). The overall population comprised mostly residents (66%), passerines (42%) and species which preferred woodlands (31%) or wetlands (30%). Species censused with highly variable numbers were the Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae (53% to 21% of count totals) and Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris (40%) to zero). When these two species were excluded, there were significant seasonal differences in the number of other species present (average 12% higher in spring), the number of individuals counted (average 47% higher in autumn) and the indices of diversity of other species (average 24% higher in spring). Relative abundance, frequency of occurrence and distribution of all species are quantified in an appendix.

Methods for population control within a silver gull colony.

Silver gulls can threaten the welfare of humans and other wildlife. Current superabundant gull numbers should be managed to reduce this risk. Denying gulls access to food at artificial sites, combined with direct population control, may reduce silver gull numbers in the long term. Control measures implemented at gull colonies overseas were trialled. Human disturbance in the colony associated with routine visits to study plots led to reduced nesting density. Egg-pricking reduced nesting success; it did not induce adults to incubate for extended periods even though gulls were recorded sitting on nonviable (although not pricked) eggs for up to 76 days. Removal of eggs from nests within experimental plots did not affect overall nesting success for these plots. Habitat modification, by mowing of long grass at the colony site prior to the commencement of breeding, decreased both the density of nests in mowed areas and nesting success. Selective culling of breeding adults from experimental plots was effective in reducing population size immediately and suppressed nesting by other individuals that attempted to breed later in the breeding season. The combination of habitat modification, culling and human disturbance reduced breeding success at colonies.

Food and Feeding Ecology of Breeding Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae) in Urban Australia

Food and Feeding Ecology of Breeding Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae) in Urban Australia

Distribution and abundance of grebes, pelicans, darters, cormorants, rails and terns in the Alligator Rivers Region, Northern Territory

Aerial surveys between 1981 and 1984 were used to identify monthly trends in the abundance of Australian pelicans (Pelecanus conspicillatus), darters (Anhinga melanogaster), little pied cormorants (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos), and whiskered terns (Chlidonias hybrida) on five floodplains of the Alligator Rivers region, 250 km east of Darwin in the monsoonal Northern Territory. Ground surveys were conducted during the same period on one of the floodplains, the Magela plain. The aerial surveys indicated that the Magela floodplain was inhabited by few of these birds during the wet season (November-March), but that numbers then increased substantially in the dry season. The Nourlangie floodplain showed similar patterns, but the numbers of birds tended to be lower. Birds were generally uncommon on the shallower East Alligator and Cooper floodplains. Ground surveys suggested that the birds sought out the persistent swamps that characterise the Magela floodplain in the dry season. Ground surveys also indicated that aerial surveys underestimated densities; on the basis of correction factors calculated from ground surveys, peak numbers on the five floodplains were roughly estimated to be about 2000 darters, 9000 little pied cormorants, 55 000 Australian pelicans and 50 000 whiskered terns. Little black cormorants (Phalacrocorax sulcirostrus) were sometimes abundant, but their sporadic occurrence prevented analysis of seasonal trends. Australasian grebes (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae), great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), pied cormorants (Phalacrocorax varius), buff-banded rails (Rallus philippensis), Baillon's crakes (Porzana pusilla), white-browed crakes (Poliolimnas cinereus), purple swamphens (Porphyrio porphyrio), Eurasian coots (Fulica atra), silver gulls (Larus novaehollandiae), white-winged terns (Chlidonias leucoptera), gull-billed terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) and Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia) were recorded in low numbers. The Alligator Rivers region acted as an important dry season refuge because of the unusually persistent fresh waters of the Magela and Nourlangie floodplains and some of the backswamps of the South Alligator, such as Boggy Plain.

Waterbirds of Lake Eyre, Australia

Few data exist on abundance and diversity of waterbirds on Lake Eyre in the arid zone of Australia. We report extremely high densities of waterbirds during a study over an eight-month period, August 1990–February 1991. At least thirty species were seen during aerial surveys, and nine previously unrecorded species were sighted on the lake. Numbers were highest in December when more than 300 000 waterbirds, including 135 000 shorebirds, were estimated. These figures were considered to underestimate true abundance by 50%. Australian pelicans Pelecanus conspicillatus (448 nests), silver gulls Larus novaehollandiae (4754 nests) and Caspian terns Hydroprogne caspia (about 80 nests) nested on one of the islands. Only silver gulls and Caspian terns were successful. Historical records indicate that some flooding of the lake bed occurs every year. These results show the importance of this wetland to waterbird conservation in Australia.

Population Changes, Breeding Cycles and Breeding Success over Six Years in a Seabird Colony at Michaelmas Cay, Queensland

Seabirds were counted on Michaelmas Cay every month from May 1984 to April 1990. Seven species bred during the study. The major breeding species were Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata, Common Noddy Anous stolidus, Crested Tern S. bergii and Lesser Crested Tern S. bengalensis. Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae, Black-naped Tern S. sumatrana and Bridled Tern S. anathaetus bred in some years in small numbers. Sooty Terns had a sub-annual breeding cycle of 8.6 months duration, measured between peaks of breeding numbers, while the other species were annual breeders, five in summer and one (Silver Gull) in winter. In successive breeding cycles, the sizes of breeding populations of Sooty Tern and Common Noddy both fluctuated strongly. Crested Tern numbers increased slightly then decreased, and Lesser Crested Tern numbers increased strongly then decreased again. Average Silver Gull numbers remained fairly stable over the study period. Fledging success varied considerably among breeding cycles of Sooty Tern, Common Noddy and Crested Tern. Lesser Crested Terns bred successfully in three cycles and showed increasing fledging success over the study period. Climate had a major influence on breeding populations of Sooty Tern and Common Noddy. Three cyclones were recorded; one altered the periodicity of Sooty Tern breeding cycles and two affected its breeding numbers and success. In mid-year, prolonged periods of strong winds caused breeding failures in Sooty Tern and Common Noddy. Erosion of the cay also caused nest losses. Human disturbance had little effect on breeding populations.

Breeding and movements of wing-tagged silver gulls (Larus novaehollandiae) at the largest colony in New South Wales

Wing tags were used in preference to colour/metal band combinations to increase sighting frequency of silver gulls. Wing tags did not affect return rate of breeding adults to the colony compared with banded gulls. Approximately one-third of gulls lost their nests following wing-tagging. There were no instances of double-brooding with fledging success from both attempts. A total of 42% of adults that returned and bred, nested more than once in a season. Up to 4 clutches were produced by pairs within a season. Successful raising of young typically occurred from the first brood of the season. Successful breeders usually nested only once in any one season. In all, 19% of pairs successfully fledged young, but the percentage of young fledged from the number of eggs laid was much lower (5.3%). Nest sites were rarely repeatedly used by the same nesting pair. Individuals moved considerable distances between successive nesting sites within and between seasons. Fidelity to colony was 68% and to mate 22%; these estimates are lower than those from other colonies.

Biochemical Systematics of the Australian Dotterels and Plovers (Charadriiformes, Charadriidae)

Allozyme variation at 38 presumptive protein loci was examined among seven Australian breeding and four migratory species of plovers, dotterels and lapwings (Charadriidae). Using the silver gull (Laridae), Australian pratincole (Glareolidae) and bush stone-curlew (Burhinidae) as outgroups, phenetic and cladistic analyses consistently identified four major clusters within the species examined. The first comprised the oriental plover, Charadrius veredus, the double-banded plover, C bicinctus, the red-capped plover, C. ruficapillus and the Mongolian plover, C. mongolus, together with the inland dotterel, Peltohyas australis. The second cluster contained the hooded plover, C. rubricollis and the black-fronted plover, C. melanops. The third contained the banded lapwing, Vanellus tricolor, and the masked lapwing, V. miles, together with the red-kneed dotterel, Erythrogonys cinctus. The Pacific golden plover, Pluvialis fulva, separated as a sister group to all of the other Charadriidae. These allozyme data are used to predict a phylogeny for the Australian Charadriidae and, assessed against morphological and behavioural characters, to propose a new taxonomic treatment.