The System of Diagnostic Signs of Body Feathers in Birds of the Order Charadriiformes

Resumo

This paper reveals the complexes of structural signs of body feathers in Charadriiformes bird species that have a taxonomical value. The complexes of structural signs are united in a system of diagnostic signs, which is used to identify bird taxa by one body feather, a part of a feather, and/or feather fragments. It is noted that the successful definition of a taxon requires the use of signs within the system.