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New Zealand dotterel (Charadrius obscurus)
Also known as: red-breasted dotterel and red-breasted plover
The New Zealand dotterel is the largest bird of its genus, recognised by its predominantly grey-brown upperparts and off-white underparts, which become flushed with rusty-orange during the breeding season. Males can be distinguished from females by having a slightly redder breast for much of the year. The dark feathers of the back have paler edges, giving a scaled appearance, and a distinctive brown line extends in front and behind the dark brown eyes. This cryptic colouration camouflages the New Zealand dotterel against the sand, shells and dune vegetation of its environment. Thus, its distinctive ‘chip-chip' call can often be heard before the bird is seen. |
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