Variable Oystercatcher

Mottled variant of New Zealand oystercatchers

The New Zealand oystercatchers (Haematopus unicolor ) is a species of the family of oystercatchers ( Haematopodidae ). In the Maori language it is called " torea - pango ".

Description

The species is polymorphic. That is there are several genetic variants which have a different color. The coloring of the underside can pied by black -and-white mottled over to pure black shapes range. The more south you go, the darker the species is indigenous to all the Stewart Islands oystercatchers are black. All colors have a mottled band on the wing undersides. The legs are pink. The beak is red and the eye ring is colored orange. The males are around 670 grams. The females are larger and are around 720 grams.

Distribution and habitat

The New Zealand Oystercatcher is endemic to the coasts of New Zealand. He is frequently encountered. Outside the breeding season it forms flocks mostly with the South Island Oystercatcher.

Nutrition

The New Zealand oystercatcher mainly feeds on mollusks, crabs and marine worms. After heavy rains sometimes they go in search of food in the interior. With its powerful beak they are to penetrate the shells of prey in the area.

Reproduction

The species is monogamous. During the breeding season the pair defends its territory. They breed on the North Island, the South Island, Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. The nest is a depression which is dug into the sand and sometimes covered with seaweed. It is built on the coast between rocks or on sand dunes. The nest consists of 2-3, sometimes up to 5 eggs. The eggs are greyish and you will see brown spots on. The clutch is incubated 25 to 32 days. The young birds fledge after about 6 weeks. The New Zealand oystercatchers can be over 27 years old.

Endangering

The species is " not threatened " on the Red List of IUCN.