Greater Wellington backs the banded dotterel for Bird of the Year

Greater Wellington is throwing its support behind the banded dotterel (pohowera) in this year's Bird of the Year competition, championing one of the Wellington Region's most charismatic, hardworking, and endangered coastal birds. 

Found across the region, banded dotterels can be seen nesting and feeding in the Wairarapa, along the Kāpiti Coast, and on Wellington's south coast. Recent surveys have highlighted the importance of the Wellington Region for the species, with local rivers, coastlines and estuaries supporting significant populations of these remarkable native birds. 

While small in size, the banded dotterel is famous for its clever survival tactics. During nesting season, adults will often perform dramatic "broken wing" displays, pretending to be injured to lure people, dogs, and predators away from vulnerable nests and chicks. 

Greater Wellington Councillor and celebrated wildlife photographer Simon Woolf says the banded dotterel deserves its moment in the spotlight. 

"The banded dotterel is a bird with real character. They're tough, adaptable and incredibly devoted parents. Watching one put on its famous distraction display to protect its chicks is something you never forget." 

"As a photographer, I've spent countless hours observing birds around the region, and the banded dotterel is one of the most rewarding species to watch. Despite the challenges they face from predators and disturbance, they continue to hold on in some of the busiest places in our region," says Cr Simon Woolf. 

A 2020 Greater Wellington coastal bird survey identified banded dotterels across the region, including the Ōtaki and Waitohu estuaries, Wellington's south coast, Onoke Spit and Riversdale Beach.  

Roger Uys, a Senior Environmental Scientist at Greater Wellington says despite their geographic spread, the enigmatic banded dotterel is a threatened species with their regional population declining 21 percent between 2017 and 2023.

“Critically, we only have a breeding population of around 570 adult birds. So, we must do everything we can to protect this fantastic little bird. But that’s easier said than done when their nests and eggs are hard to spot. Nests on gravel banks along coastal areas and river systems are no more than a scrape in the gravel, and their eggs are the same size and colour as stones.

“Greater Wellington works with ornithologists to check for nests before we carry out works but the biggest tell for members of the public will be the birds themselves. If a banded dotterel is acting strangely around you, assume there's a nest or chicks nearby. Step back, keep dogs on a lead, avoid vehicles on beaches and riverbeds, and give the birds plenty of space,” says Roger Uys.

Chair of Greater Wellington's Environment and Climate Committee Cr Quentin Duthie says backing the banded dotterel is about celebrating a species that reflects the region's unique environment and the importance of ongoing conservation work.

"The banded dotterel is an important part of Wellington's coastal and river ecosystems. From the braided rivers of the Wairarapa to the beaches of Kāpiti and Wellington's south coast, these birds are a familiar sight for people who spend time in nature."

"Greater Wellington works alongside mana whenua, community groups, landowners and conservation partners to protect habitats and support biodiversity across the region.

Supporting the banded dotterel in Bird of the Year is a fun way to highlight that work and encourage people to learn more about the wildlife on their doorstep."

Greater Wellington is encouraging Wellingtonians to get behind the banded dotterel and cast their vote in this year's Bird of the Year competition.