Why are seedsnipes unusual among Charadriiformes?

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Seedsnipes (family Thinocoridae) are considered unusual among the order Charadriiformes for two primary reasons:

  • Diet: They are the only charadriiform birds that feed predominantly on vegetable matter, such as seeds and greens, rather than the animal prey typically consumed by other members of the order.1
  • Anatomy: They are the only birds within the order Charadriiformes that possess covered nostrils.1

These South American birds, which inhabit areas ranging from the Falkland Islands to the Andes, are otherwise related to shorebirds like gulls and terns.1