Order) Charadriiformes
Family) Charadriidae
Species) Native Bird
Conservation Status) Recovering
Length) 25 cm
Weight) 146 g (northern)
Other Names) Red-breasted dotterel, tuturiwhatu, tuturiwhatu-pukunui, rako, red-breasted plover
Threats) Stoats, Rats, Cats, Dogs, Humans and big tides
Identification
The New Zealand Dotterel is a shorebird which breeds on beaches in NZ’s North Island. Locations found on Waiheke are Whakanewha, Anzac Bay and Blackpool.
The New Zealand dotterel is a heavily-built plover, with a heavy black bill, relatively long grey legs and large round dark eyes. The upperparts are brown and the underparts off-white, becoming orange-red from May, with the depth and extent of red varying individually and seasonally, and males generally being darker than females.
The Dotterel can be hard to spot as it is small and also blends into the shoreline and its habitat. Usually you will hear its common call a sharp chip, often heard before the bird is seen. The call indicates alertness, with the rate increasing as the perceived threat level rises.
They mainly breed on sandy beaches and sandspits, some on shell banks. a few on gravel beaches. On beaches, they are usually clustered around stream-mouths.
Breeding
New Zealand dotterels breed in monogamous pairs, and vigorously defend territories against other dotterels. The nests of northern New Zealand dotterels are simple scrapes in the substrate, sometimes sparsely lined or decorated, often with a marker of driftwood or vegetation.
Three eggs are laid, usually from August or September, and are replaced if lost. Incubation usually takes 28-30 days
On Waiheke a few beaches are cordoned off during the nesting seasons (Whakanewha bay being the main location)
Food
Sand hoppers, small fish, small Crabs, Small mussels, annelid worms, crickets, flies, beetles, and earthworms
Waiheke Locations
Whakanewha Bay – They are commonly found nesting it has been cordoned off during nesting seasons and a diversion track called Dotties lane has been made.
Blackpool beach – They are commonly found here migrating with other sea birds.
Anzac Bay – can sometimes be spotted here.
They are a flying bird so they can be at any beach on Waiheke or New Zealand. They choose to stay on quiet beaches were there is less traction and threats those areas above are where i have spotted them and photographed.
Gallery
