Southern New Zealand dotterel showing breeding plumage
Image: James Reardon | ©

Introduction

The endangered New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu is found only in this country.

    About dotterels

    The New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu (Charadrius obscurus) is a threatened shorebird.

    There are two distinct subspecies, with widely separated ranges.

    The northern subspecies (Charadrius obscurus aquilonius) is a characteristic bird of sandy beaches in the northern part of the North Island.

    The southern subspecies (Charadrius obscurus obscurus) was once widespread in the South Island, but currently only breeds on herb-fields and exposed hilltops on Stewart Island/Rakiura. 

    Key differences between the subspecies

    Northern New Zealand dotterel

    • Conservation status: recovering 
    • Population: more than 2,500 
    • Smaller and lighter (146 g average weight) 
    • Breeds on beaches along the North Island coastline 
    • Feeds along the coastline 
    • Lighter orange breeding plumage 
    • Flock together for a few months each year 
    • Lives to 20 – 25 years old  

    Southern New Zealand dotterel

    • Conservation status: nationally critical 
    • Population: less than 145 individuals (April 2022) 
    • Larger and heavier (160 - 180g) 
    • Breeds on the mountain tops above the bush line on Rakiura and formerly in the South Island 
    • Feeds on the coastline 
    • Larger mid-toe (potentially for better stability in alpine environment) 
    • Dark orange breeding plumage and darker head colouring 
    • Flocks in large groups for most of the year 
    • Can potentially live to between 20 – 25 years old but due to predation from pests, their average life expectancy is less than 5 years
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