SUMMARYMaclean, G. L. 1973. A review of the biology of the Australian desert waders,StiltiaandPeltohyas. Emu 73: 61–70.A review of the literature on the two Australian semidesert waders, the Australian DotterelPeltohyas australisand the Australian PratincoleStiltia isabella, is given. Aspects dealt with in both species include systematics, distribution, movements, habitats, social organization, behaviour, food and feeding, and breeding biology. These aspects are discussed with a view to further study. Matters deserving special attention are plumage patterns of chicks, behaviour patterns of adults, parental care (with special reference to the biophysics of incubation inPeltohyasand the use of burrows by the young ofStiltia) and all adaptive features to an arid environment. Such studies should lead to a better understanding of desert biology and of the systematic positions of both species.