Story: Bird migration

Godwits and oystercatchers

Godwits and oystercatchers

These eastern bar-tailed godwits from the Arctic have gathered at Manukau Harbour (near Auckland) with South Island pied oystercatchers. After flying long distances, they replenish their reserves so they can return to breed in the Arctic. New Zealand’s estuaries and harbours are concentrated food sources, where migratory waders congregate. They feed by probing the mud with their long bills, finding molluscs, worms and crabs.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10036073
Photograph by Dick Veitch

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How to cite this page:

Christina Troup, 'Bird migration - The phenomenon of migration', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/7213/godwits-and-oystercatchers (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Christina Troup, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015