Wrybill

Anarhynchus peronii

The Wrybill (Anarhynchus peronii) is a small shorebird endemic to New Zealand. It is best known for its uniquely curved bill, which bends to the right, making it the only bird in the world with such a characteristic. This adaptation allows the Wrybill to forage for aquatic invertebrates in the fast-flowing rivers and braided streams of its habitat. These birds are highly migratory, breeding in the South Island of New Zealand and then migrating to the North Island and even as far as Australia during the non-breeding season. Wrybills are known for their distinctive call and agile flight patterns as they navigate their dynamic riverine habitats.

Habitat: Riverine and braided stream habitats