Kūkuruatu (NZ Dotterel, tūturiwhatu, pohowera, piopio) are an endangered species of shorebird found only in certain areas of NZ. There are two subspecies, one found only in the North Island, the other in the South. They are closely related to the larger, similarly endangered NZ banded dotterel. Nesting in spring and summer, they make just a shallow scrape on the beach above the high tide line. The eggs camouflage well in their surroundings and are about 4.5cm, making them very difficult to spot, so it's very important to pay attention to signage around beaches!