This section is currently predominantly used in Wildpro to link different data types and demonstrate inter-relationships. Although it identifies that taxonomic interrelationships of species (see "header") it does not currently contain detailed information on the bird species itself. As WILDPro is developed, we will gradually convert these pages into full Species pages.

The taxonomy of birds is still under review and the A World Checklist of Birds by Burt L. Monroe, Jr and Charles G. Sibley (B89) has been chosen as the primary reference. The taxonomic structure will be amended when new editions or complete references are identified by the scientific world as the recognized primary references for taxonomy.

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• London: In the London Area, "regular passage migrant, now rare winter visitor." May be seen e.g. Rainham Marsh, Beddington Sewage Farm, The Wetland Centre (WWT) at Barnes, and even at Regent's Park. (J322.65.w1)

• food - mainly insects; also eats some plants.
• feeding behaviour - mainly probes in shallow water; also gleans on ground

Nest:

• location and structure - scrape on ground
• nest building - female
• breeding structure - polygynous

Eggs: 

• markings - patterned
• number of eggs - 4 (2-3)
• broods - one brood per season
• incubation - by female; 20-23 days

Nestling:

• development - Precocial; finds own food
• parental caring for young - by female
• fledging - 25-28 days

(B163, B164)

Organisations (UK Contacts):

• Wildlife and Countryside Directorate, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR)
• British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
• The Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

Electronic Library (further reading):

• The Electronic Library: further reading for "Wildlife: Oil Spill Response"

General Legislation:

• This species is listed on Schedule 1 - Part I (Birds protected by special penalties: Notes on the revised schedules state "Birds protected by special penalties at all times") of the LUK2 - Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 of the United Kingdom. (W5.Oct01)

Individual techniques:

• Accommodation of Casualty Waders
• Hand-rearing Waders
• Catching and Handling of Waders
• Feeding of Casualty Waders
• Release of Casualty Waders
• See also: Oil Spill: Species Identification and Special Considerations