The longest banded dotterel migrations are those undertaken by birds of the riverbeds and outwash fans of the South Island high country, most of which have an unusual east-west migration of 1600 km or more to Tasmania and south-eastern mainland Australia for “winter”, typically in the period late summer to mid winter.

How long do banded Dotterels live?

The oldest New Zealand dotterel may have lived at least 42 years. The banded dotterel population may be in the order of 50,000 birds, and is considered to be in decline, primarily due to the effects of introduced predators.

Do NZ dotterels migrate?

The Southern New Zealand dotterel nests above the bush line on Stewart Island, and migrates around the South Island coast after breeding. ... However, banded dotterels that nest on the South Island's riverbeds mostly migrate to Australia after breeding. Others migrate to the northern North Island's harbours and estuaries.