Black-fronted Dotterel

Elseyornis melanops is a small Australian plover established in New Zealand. It differs from banded dotterel through its black face-mask, chest band and reddish bill with a black tip. Adults have a white eyebrow, black forehead and breast-band, chestnut shoulder patches and pale belly. The compact body sits on short cream legs.

It occurs locally on gravelly river margins and wetlands, mainly in the North Island and northern South Island. Its New Zealand population arose by natural colonisation. It takes insects, worms and small crustaceans from damp mud and shallow water. Pairs nest on bare gravel and crouch low when threatened.

The New Zealand classification is Naturally Uncommon. The Tukituki River in Hawke’s Bay and Manawatū river margins offer possible sightings.