The shore plover, also known as the shore dotterel, is a small plover endemic to New Zealand. Once found all around the New Zealand coast, it is now restricted to a few offshore islands. It is one of the world's rarest shorebirds, with a population of roughly 250.
Region
New Zealand offshore islands and the Chatham Islands
Typical Environment
Current strongholds are predator-free islands where it uses rocky shores, boulder beaches, and tidal platforms. It also forages along sheltered bays, lagoon margins, and kelp-wrack lines. Nesting typically occurs among rocks, driftwood, or low shrubs just above the high-tide mark. Historical range once included much of the New Zealand coastline before introduced predators caused severe declines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the shore dotterel, this is one of the world’s rarest shorebirds, now confined mainly to predator-free offshore islands of New Zealand. It shows a bold black facial mask and bright orange legs, and often nests under cover among rocks or low vegetation just above the high-tide line. Intensive conservation management, including captive breeding and translocations, has stabilized the population around a few hundred birds. Disturbance and introduced predators remain its primary threats.
Shore plover juvenile
Egg, Auckland Museum collection
Temperament
alert and territorial
Flight Pattern
low fast flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups and strongly territorial during breeding. Monogamous pairs nest among rocks or low vegetation, laying a small clutch that both parents incubate. Chicks are precocial and are guarded and guided to foraging areas by both adults.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, high-pitched whistles and piping notes, often given as alarm near the nest. Soft contact calls keep pairs and family groups coordinated, with more insistent piping during territorial displays.
