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 Charadriidae: Charadrius dubius, Charadrius hiaticula, Charadrius alexandrinus, Charadrius leschenaultii, Pluvialis apricaria, Hoplopterus spinosus, Vanellus vanellus.