Northern New Zealand dotterelTūturiwhatu

Like us, northern New Zealand dotterels love to spend their time at the beach. You may see them foraging on sandspits and sandy beaches, but their nests won't be so obvious. Breeding birds are often disturbed by humans and their dogs, vehicles, and stock, which crush eggs and chicks. Sometimes, dotterel mums and dads will try to distract intruders from their nest by performing ‘rat runs’ or pretending they’re injured. When you're at the beach this summer, look out for markers like seaweed and driftwood, and give these russet-hued beach babes some space!