Oystercatcher
The Variable Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolour), known in Māori as Tōrea pango, is a striking and endemic shorebird found along the coastlines of New Zealand. These birds are easily recognised by their long, bright orange bills and stout coral-pink legs. They exhibit a fascinating range of breast coloration – from entirely black to intermediate 'smudgy' morphs, and even pied individuals with white underparts. This variation once led to confusion about their classification, but all morphs ( a visual or behavioural difference between organisms of distinct populations in a species ) are now understood to belong to a single species. The proportion of color morphs varies geographically, with more all-black individuals found in the south.
Population-wise, the Variable Oystercatcher is classified as At Risk – Recovering. Historically, their numbers declined due to hunting and habitat disturbance, but since gaining protection in 1922, their population has rebounded. These birds are long-lived, with some individuals reaching over 30 years of age. Despite this, their breeding success remains relatively low due to threats like nest flooding, predation by mammals and birds, and human disturbance on beaches.
Breeding occurs from September to March, with pairs typically laying two to three eggs per season. Both parents share incubation duties and continue caring for chicks even after fledging. They are known for their territorial behavior and may use deceptive tactics like creating false broods to protect their young. Chicks can fly at around six to seven weeks of age, and birds generally begin breeding between four and six years old.
In terms of diet, Variable Oystercatchers feed primarily on coastal invertebrates, especially shellfish such as mussels and cockles. They forage by probing sand and mudflats with their bills, often seen in pairs working methodically along estuaries and beaches. Their strong bills are adapted for prying open shells, making them efficient predators in their niche
Their habitat spans most of New Zealand’s coastline, including Stewart Island, though they are less common on the west coasts of the North and South Islands. They prefer sandy beaches, sandspits, and tidal estuaries, nesting just above the high tide mark, a location that unfortunately makes their nests vulnerable to flooding and human activity. Conservation efforts emphasize minimizing beach disturbance, especially during the breeding season, to support this unique and charismatic species.
Collected from the following Sources:
New Zealand Birds Online
Taranaki Regional Council