1. (noun) shore plover, Thinornis novaeseelandiae - a rare endemic dotterel that was once widespread but is now found only on the Chathan Islands and predator free islands. Crown, neck and underparts greyish brown; white halo around the head above the eyes; black forehead, side of the face and throat in males, dirty brown in females. Underparts white. Bill red tipped black; legs orange.