These Double-banded Plovers (Charadrius bicinctus) and their coastal companions (i.e. Ruddy Turnstones, Red-necked Stints, Sooty Oystercatchers, Crested Terns and Silver Gulls) were filmed in early April 2021 at Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve, Kurnell (NSW). Double-banded Plovers are often called “winter visitors” to Australia, despite arriving in some parts of the country as early as mid February, with most appearing at overwintering sites in March and April. This contrasts with the great majority of migratory shorebirds, who are leaving our shores around the same time, heading to breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere. (Immature birds typically stay behind for at least one austral winter.) Note the subtle development of breeding colour on a Red-necked Stint (right of screen at 2.22) and extensive breeding plumage on some Ruddy Turnstones (i.e. first two from the left at 1.05 mark). Out of 35+ shorebirds (aka waders) who regularly visit Australia, only the Double-banded Plover has an east-west rather than north-south migration pattern.

The Double-banded Plover is also known as the Banded Dotterel in New Zealand (NZ), where the species is widespread and fairly abundant. They only breed within NZ, with the greatest concentrations in southern North Island (NI) and the South Island (SI). Nesting sites can be found along rivers or streams in the high country or lowlands, and on sandy beaches. Breeding has also been observed in pasture, stony paddocks, quarries, wide gravel edges of roads, shrublands, peaty moorlands, racecourses and airstrips. Experienced nesters have high nest-site fidelity. (See HANZAB for detailed breeding notes.) These adorable little birds face many challenges when nesting in various locations and numbers may be declining, although winter counts appear to be relatively stable. In any case, there is enough concern to now list them as “Near Threatened”. Go to [ Ссылка ] and [ Ссылка ] for further information. The latter link also includes a photo of their striking breeding plumage (not seen in the video).

The breeding season in NZ is roughly August to December, depending upon the location. Departure from breeding grounds is also dictated by the region. While most Double-banded Plovers are migratory, only some fly to southern and eastern Australia. It’s the inland southern SI breeders who end up here. Others migrate to northern NZ. And some – mostly coastal nesters – are sedentary. For those bound for Australia, the peak departure time is Feb-March. These movements involve “staging areas” or stopovers. Double-banded Plovers show high site fidelity for staging and overwintering areas. By the time they reach their favoured Aussie site, their distinct breeding plumage (which gives them their name) is no longer apparent. Boat Harbour (Kurnell) happens to be the best place in Sydney to see these birds in double-digit numbers. During their stay they moult into their breeding plumage (males generally in May and females in June). Around August, they return to their NZ breeding grounds. We hope to bid them a fond farewell! For other facts about these cuties, please visit [ Ссылка ]. For another view of migratory shorebirds in Australia (this time at Sydney’s Long Reef) check out our this video from January 2018 [ Ссылка ].

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