The Black-faced Plover (often considered a subspecies or related to the Hooded Plover) is a shorebird found in New Zealand's South Island and nearby islands. It has a striking black face and head.
Where to spot
Specific to the South Island of New Zealand and surrounding islands. Note: this scientific name `Thinornis melanops` is often synonymized or debated; the Hooded Plover `Thinornis cucullatus` is Australian.
How to spot
Observation is extremely rare and specific due to its limited range and endangered status. Focus on coastal areas of the Chatham Islands if targeting Thinornis novaeseelandiae. Look for its distinctive black head and white collar.
When to spot
If referring to the Chatham Islands Dotterel (novaeseelandiae), then year-round in its very restricted island range. Active during daylight.
Where to spot
Specific to the South Island of New Zealand and surrounding islands. Note: this scientific name `Thinornis melanops` is often synonymized or debated; the Hooded Plover `Thinornis cucullatus` is Australian.
How to spot
Observation is extremely rare and specific due to its limited range and endangered status. Focus on coastal areas of the Chatham Islands if targeting Thinornis novaeseelandiae. Look for its distinctive black head and white collar.
When to spot
If referring to the Chatham Islands Dotterel (novaeseelandiae), then year-round in its very restricted island range. Active during daylight.
Historically, there has been taxonomic debate about its relationship to the Hooded Plover of Australia. It is often now considered the Chatham Islands Dotterel (Thinornis novaeseelandiae).
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.