A Victorian Record of the Asiatic Dowitcher

Abstract

The second Australian and first Victorian record of the Asiatic Dowitcher, Limnodromus semipalmatus, is reported, with field-notes on its habits and a detailed description of plumage and soft parts. Photographs enlarged from 35 mm colour transparencies are provided. Comparison between the Asiatic Dowitcher and the two North American species is made. Some supporting notes are also given from the literature, with brief comments on taxonomy, breeding and non-breeding range, and origin of the appellation dowitcher.