Breeding adult © Fabio Olmos eBird S45952027 Macaulay Library ML 101624001
Nonbreeding adult/immature © Eric VanderWerf
Breeding adult © County Lister Brendan
Nonbreeding adult/immature © Christopher Stephens
Nonbreeding adult/immature © Rohan van Twest

Wrybill Anarhynchus frontalis

Sign in to see your badges

Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

A small, pale plover endemic to New Zealand. Gray above, white below. Note distinctive black bill with tip curving to the right, unique to this species, used to forage under stones for invertebrates. Breeding birds have a clear black band across their chest, thinner in females and varying from absent to distinct in non-breeding or juvenile birds. Breeds only along the braided rivers of Canterbury and Otago. The majority of the population migrates north to winter in large flocks in the harbors and estuaries of the northern North Island, particularly the Firth of Thames and Manukau Harbour. Commonly heard giving a “chip” call.

POWERED BY MERLIN