The Wrybill is a unique shorebird endemic to New Zealand, famous for its bill that is permanently bent sideways to the right. This peculiar adaptation helps it feed in specific ways.
Where to spot
Breeds on stony riverbeds in the South Island of New Zealand; migrates to coastal estuaries and mudflats of the North Island for winter.
How to spot
Focus on stony braided riverbeds or coastal estuaries. Its sideways-curved bill is unmistakable. Look for it feeding by sweeping its bill under stones or probing specific areas.
When to spot
Best observed in the South Island during the breeding season (September-January) or in North Island estuaries during the non-breeding season (February-August).
Where to spot
Breeds on stony riverbeds in the South Island of New Zealand; migrates to coastal estuaries and mudflats of the North Island for winter.
How to spot
Focus on stony braided riverbeds or coastal estuaries. Its sideways-curved bill is unmistakable. Look for it feeding by sweeping its bill under stones or probing specific areas.
When to spot
Best observed in the South Island during the breeding season (September-January) or in North Island estuaries during the non-breeding season (February-August).
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
The Wrybill is the only bird in the world with a bill curved to one side. It uses this specialized bill to probe under pebbles and into crevices for insect larvae along stony riverbeds.
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