Story: Wading birds
New Zealand shore plover males have a striking black head (brown for females), separated from a brown skull-cap by a white band. Before the arrival of Norway rats and feral cats, shore plovers were common around the mainland, but by the 20th century there were only a few in the Chatham Islands. The Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre has been breeding the birds in captivity, for release on a predator-free island in Hawke’s Bay, where a population has become established. Transfers to an island in Foveaux Strait are planned for 2006.
About this item
Department of Conservation
Reference: 10057179
Photograph by Don Merton
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