New Zealand Dotterel | Tūturiwhatu
The New Zealand Dotterel (Charadrius obscurus), known as Tūturiwhatu in Māori, is a species of shorebird found only in New Zealand. There are two subspecies: the Northern New Zealand Dotterel (Charadrius obscurus aquilonius) and the Southern New Zealand Dotterel (Charadrius obscurus obscurus). The Northern subspecies is more numerous and breeds around the North Island, while the Southern subspecies is critically endangered and breeds only on Stewart Island.
New Zealand Dotterels are heavily-built plovers and are the largest species in the genus Charadrius. They have brown upperparts and off-white underparts that turn orange-red during the breeding season. The Southern subspecies is larger, heavier, and darker than the Northern subspecies.
These birds are typically found on sandy beaches, sandspits, and tidal estuaries. They nest on beaches above the high tide mark, laying 2-3 eggs in a shallow hole dug in the ground. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these birds, especially the critically endangered Southern subspecies.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at info@brycephotography.co.nz
