Haematopodidae, Recurvirostridae, Burhinidae, Charadriidae and Scolopacidae
The feather characteristics between and within these families are difficult to distinguish. Barbules are of variable length, nodes are slightly thickened or vase-shaped, internodes are straight. Pigment when present is in nodes and varying parts of internodes. Species examined within the family of Scolopacidae: Calidris alba, Calidris minuta, Calidris alpina, Philomachus pugnax, Gallinago gallinago, Gallinago media, Scolopax rusticola, Limosa limosa, Numenius arquata, Tringa erythropus, Tringa totanus, Actitis hypoleucos.