Anarhynchus bicinctus
The Double-banded Plover (Anarhynchus bicinctus) is a charmingly compact shorebird, measuring 18-21 cm in length with a wingspan of 37-44 cm and weighing 40-70 g. Its most distinctive feature, especially in breeding plumage, is the striking pair of breast bands: an upper black band and a lower rufous-chestnut band, contrasting sharply with its pure white underparts and grey-brown upperparts. A prominent white forehead stripe bordered by black, a black lore stripe, and a white supercilium furt...
Primarily found in coastal and inland wetlands, including sandy beaches, tidal flats, estuaries, and braided riverbeds. It is generally found at low elevations, from sea level up to several hundred meters in inland breeding areas.
The diet consists primarily of small invertebrates, including insects (especially larvae), marine worms, small crustaceans, and molluscs. They forage by visually locating prey on mudflats, sandy beaches, and riverbeds, often using a "run-stop-peck" technique.
Double-banded Plovers are largely diurnal, actively foraging during the day and roosting in communal flocks on open ground, often near water, when not breeding. Their foraging strategy is a classic "run-stop-peck" method, visually scanning for prey before a swift dash and capture of detected inve...
The Double-banded Plover breeds almost exclusively in New Zealand, predominantly across the braided river systems of the South Island's high country, with smaller populations found in coastal areas and some North Island river systems. Following the breeding season, the majority of the population ...
Least Concern
- The Double-banded Plover undertakes an impressive trans-Tasman migration, flying between New Zealand and Australia annually. - Its scientific name, *bicinctus*, literally means "two-banded," referring to its distinctive breast markings. - Unlike many birds, juvenile Double-banded Plovers do not...