Oystercatchers
Tōrea
Tōrea pango
Waikawa Beach is fortunate to host both of New Zealand's beautiful Oystercatcher species. The familiar black and white South Island Pied Oystercatcher, also known as Tōrea, is often seen feeding along the shoreline, estuary margins and nearby paddocks, while the striking all-black Variable Oystercatcher, or Tōrea pango, is more commonly found patrolling the beach, dunes and river mouth.
Tōrea pango feeding at the mouth of the estuary
A mating pair of Tōrea protecting their chick
Both species use their long, powerful orange bills to search for shellfish, worms, crabs and other small creatures hidden beneath the sand and mud. The estuary, shoreline and tidal areas at Waikawa provide important feeding habitat for these iconic coastal birds throughout the year.
Healthy beaches, estuaries and dune systems are essential to their survival, making habitat protection an important part of ensuring Tōrea and Tōrea pango continue to be familiar sights along the Waikawa coastline.
Oystercatchers typically nest in open areas
Photos kindly provided by ...