Distribution and numbers of waders in New Zealand, 2005–2019

Compares and comments on the results of biannual national wader counts conducted by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand (OSNZ)/Birds New Zealand during winter and early summer from 2005 to 2019 with similar counts carried out from 1983 to 1994. Observes that for most species, numbers have fallen since the 1983–1994 surveys, particularly in northern hemisphere migrants, and surmises that this accurately reflects declining populations rather than changes in the counting effort. Notes that some native species, such as northern New Zealand dotterels (Charadrius obscurus aquilonius) and variable oystercatchers (Haematopus unicolor), are doing better, primarily because of many wader protection projects led by the community. Source: National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa, licensed by the Department of Internal Affairs for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 New Zealand Licence.