The wrybill or ngutuparore is a species of plover endemic to New Zealand. It is the only species of bird in the world with a beak that is bent sideways in one direction, always to the right. A 2015 study found it to be within the Charadrius clade, with other New Zealand plovers its closest relatives; the nearest being the New Zealand dotterel or New Zealand plover, and then the double-banded plover or banded dotterel.
Region
Southwest Pacific (New Zealand)
Typical Environment
Breeds on open, gravelly braided riverbeds of the South Island, favoring sparsely vegetated islands and bars with shallow riffles. Outside the breeding season it moves to coastal estuaries, sandflats, and mudflats, especially in the North Island (e.g., Manukau Harbour and Firth of Thames). It relies on clean, dynamic river systems with ample loose stones for foraging. Wintering sites are typically sheltered tidal flats with rich invertebrate communities.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known in Māori as ngutuparore, the wrybill is the only bird with a bill that curves sideways—always to the right. The unique bill lets it probe beneath stones and into crevices along braided riverbeds. It breeds on South Island rivers and migrates north within New Zealand for winter. Habitat alteration and introduced predators are key threats.
Wrybill female
Wrybills on mud flat, Firth of Thames
Wrybill sitting on eggs
Wrybill eggs showing camouflage
Temperament
wary and alert; territorial when breeding, gregarious in wintering flocks
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Generally monogamous, nesting in shallow scrapes on gravel bars with minimal lining. Both parents incubate two eggs and perform distraction displays to deter predators. Outside the breeding season they form sizeable flocks at key estuaries.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Soft, piping whistles used for contact and coordination in flocks. Sharper, repeated alarm calls when disturbed near nests.
