Natural habitat of Pacific Golden-Plover

Pacific Golden-Plover, a Native Common bird in New Zealand

Distribution Map

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

NativeStatus

CommonRarity

1 / 5

Species Description

The Pacific golden plover is a medium-sized migratory shorebird that visits New Zealand during summer. With its sleek body, long legs, and distinctive plumage changes between seasons, this bird offers an exciting sight for novice birdwatchers along coastal areas.

Fun Facts

These plovers can fly non-stop from Alaska to Hawaii during migration showing remarkable endurance.

1. Dramatic plumage change: black and gold in breeding season, mottled brown in non-breeding season

2. Medium-sized plover with a distinctively large head and eyes

3. Quick, stop-start foraging behaviour on mudflats and short grass

Pacific golden plovers undertake an impressive annual migration of 25,000-27,000 km between their Arctic breeding grounds and New Zealand. They arrive in September-November and depart in the end of March to the start of April. These birds are known for their remarkable navigation skills during long-distance flights.

Look for Pacific golden plovers in coastal areas, particularly harbours, estuaries, and lowland lakes across New Zealand. They're often seen in small flocks of 10-50 birds, foraging on open mudflats or short grass. Dawn and dusk are excellent times to spot them. Watch for their characteristic rapid walking with sudden stops to scan for prey. Tip: Listen for their soft, mellow "quee-lee-lee" call to help locate them.