The Moorea sandpiper is an extinct member of the large wader family Scolopacidae that was endemic to Mo'orea in French Polynesia, where the locals called it te-te in the Tahitian language.
Region
Society Islands
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to Mo'orea, it occupied lowland riparian corridors, stream mouths, and sheltered lagoon shorelines. Contemporary accounts suggest it frequented pebble- and sand-bottomed streams and adjacent thickets, often foraging along damp margins rather than exposed surf beaches. It likely used coastal flats, mangrove-like shrub zones, and open patches within lowland forest edges. As an island endemic, its range was extremely limited, increasing vulnerability to disturbance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known only from early 19th‑century accounts and a painting by William Ellis, the Moorea sandpiper was a small Polynesian shorebird endemic to Mo'orea. It likely declined rapidly after human arrival due to introduced predators such as rats and cats, and habitat alteration along streams and coasts. It was closely related to the Tahiti and Tuamotu sandpipers, a unique island lineage that often foraged well away from open beaches.
Temperament
wary and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low over water
Social Behavior
Likely occurred singly, in pairs, or small family groups along quiet streams and lagoon edges. Ground nester typical of small sandpipers, probably with monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Nesting and rearing details were never formally recorded, but behavior likely paralleled related Prosobonia species.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Described as having sharp, thin piping notes typical of small sandpipers. Calls were presumably given in short bursts during foraging and when flushed into flight.
