June 17, 2015 - Wrybill, Ngutuparore, Wrybilled Plover, Ngutu Pare, Wrybill Plover, or Crook-Bill (Anarhynchus frontalis)
Requested by: schmias
These Plovers are found in New Zealand, living along braided riverbeds on the South Island during breeding season and wintering on river mouths and mudflats on the North Island. They feed on insect larvae and other invertebrates. Wrybills are the only bird with an asymmetrically curved beak. Both the upper and lower bill curve to the right. Their curved bills help them reach under stones to find food. Nesting in shallow scrapes lined with pebbles, their eggs resemble the river stones around where they are laid. Because they rely on camouflage when incubating their eggs, they can often be approached closely while on the nest.
