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The New Zealand dotterel is a threatened (Category B) species endemic to New Zealand. The population consists of two small groups, one in the North Island and the other on Stewart Island. The total population is less than 1500 individuals. The preferred environment of these birds is sandy beaches, usually near river mouths where food is plentiful. Dotterels eat a wide variety of food, most of which is found in the intertidal area.
The decline of the New Zealand dotterel is due to several factors, but in particular, introduced predators such as cats, stoats and ferrets. Because their nesting areas are popular with beach goers, many dotterel nests also get trampled by people, dogs, and trail bikes.
above left: An adult New Zealand dotterel at the waste disposal area.
below: Dotterel eggs.
& the Martha Mine
New Zealand dotterels have been attracted to the Martha Mine tailings storage facilities to nest. In recent years two nesting pairs were found, each with three eggs. Chicks hatched successfully from each nest. During winter many dotterels were seen at the tailings storage facility and were likely to be searching for suitable nest sites for the breeding season. In summer several nests were located.
Nests in active construction zones have had eggs removed by specialists in the field and put into incubation with other New Zealand dotterel eggs at the Auckland Zoo as part of the captive breeding programme.
New Zealand dotterels have returned to nest each summer at Martha Mine.
below left: The broken wing act.
If a predator comes too close to a dotterel nest the sitting adult will try to draw the predator away from the nest by feigning a broken wing. Once the predator is some distance from the nest, the dotterel will fly back to sit on the eggs.
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