28 August, 2011

Black-fronted Dotterel

Scientific Name: Elseyornis melanops

Population Estimate: 17K

Range / Habitat: Inland wetlands in Australia and New Zealand, where it self-introduced in the 1950s. Uncommon in saline estuaries or mudflats.

Field Notes: Typical plover habitus with black eye band and neck ring which connect. Sexes similar and they retain the same plumage all year. Shore Plover similar but with extensive black mask, no neck ring. Ringed Plover similar, and a rare vagrant in this area, but eye band and neck ring do not connect. 

Personal Notes: Seen outside of Napier.

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