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New Zealand Dotterel
This New Zealand Dotterel in breeding plumage was photographed on a mountain top on Stewart Island.
The birds are extremely well camouflaged and I may not have noticed it if it hadn't been trying to lure me away from its chicks by faking a broken wing and running in the opposite direction. Details: Canon 350d, EF 400mm f/5.6, 1/500, f/5.6, 200 ISO, hand held. -
New Zealand Dotterel
This New Zealand Dotterel chick was photographed on a mountain top on Stewart Island.
Incredibly well camouflaged, these little tweeters can move surprisingly quickly over the soggy ground where they are raised. Details: Canon 350d, EF 400mm f/5.6, 1/800, f/5.6, 200 ISO, hand held.
New Zealand Dotterel
(charadrius obscurus/aquilonius)
Tuturiwhatu
Size: 25 cm, 160/145 gm (obscurus/aquilonius)
Description: Large dotterel with large head and bill. Breeding adults have brown upper parts with lighter feather edges. Underparts range from pale orange-brown in obscurus to a darker rusty-brown in obscurus.
Habitat: Obscurus nest on the wet sub-alpine mountain tops in Stewart Island. Aquilonius nest on low-lying sandy areas.
Status: Protected threatened endemic. 1400 birds (1350 aquilonius, 30-50 obscurus) in 1994.
Breeding: Aug - Feb. 2-3 eggs. Sexes share incubation.
Distinguishing Features: Large head and robust bill, vibrant breeding plumage.
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