Thinornis novaeseelandiae
The Shore Plover, Thinornis novaeseelandiae, is a diminutive and critically endangered shorebird endemic to New Zealand, instantly recognizable by its distinctive facial markings. Adults measure approximately 20-22 cm in length with a wingspan of 37-44 cm, weighing between 50-70 grams. Males exhibit a striking black face mask, crown, and a broad black breast band, contrasting sharply with a white forehead, throat, and belly, and a grey-brown back. Females are slightly duller, with a less exte...
This specialized plover primarily inhabits rocky coastlines, intertidal zones, and sheltered bays with sandy or muddy substrates, preferring areas with abundant marine invertebrates and suitable roosting sites. It is exclusively found in coastal marine environments, typically at sea level.
Shore Plovers primarily feed on a variety of small marine invertebrates, including amphipods, isopods, marine worms, small molluscs, and crustaceans found in the intertidal zone. They forage by visually locating prey and then pecking or shallowly probing the substrate.
Shore Plovers are diurnal, spending most daylight hours foraging on intertidal flats and rocky shores, often resting or roosting on higher ground during high tide. Their foraging strategy involves a characteristic 'stop-run-peck' technique, visually locating prey before rapidly snatching it from ...
The Shore Plover was historically widespread across the mainland of New Zealand's North and South Islands, as well as Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. However, due to the arrival of European settlers and the introduction of mammalian predators, it was extirpated from the mainland by the 18...
Critically Endangered
- The Shore Plover is one of the world's rarest shorebirds, once on the brink of extinction with fewer than 50 individuals in the wild in the late 20th century. - It is entirely flightless for a short period during its annual molt, making it particularly vulnerable to predators at this time. - Hi...