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The breeding of banded dotterels (Charadrius bicinctus) was studied in 1977-1987 at Cass River Delta, Lake Tekapo. Most birds first nested as 1-year-olds, but 1-year-olds arrived later on the breeding grounds than experienced adults. Nest site fidelity between years was high for experienced males but less for experienced females. Natal site fidelity was lower in females, which nested up to 31 km from the natal site. The birds were monogamous and usually retained the same mate for repeat clutches within a season, but most changed mates between years. Family members parted at about the time the young could fly. Sight recoveries of juveniles indicated that those which had fledged early or midway through the season subsequently migrated to Australia but late-fledging juveniles were non-migratory.