Advertisement

Haematopus unicolor, Tōrea Pango / Variable Oystercatcher

Last Modified: 11-4-2020 19:21

Variable oystercatchers in Umungata Bay
Variable oystercatchers in Umungata Bay
© Christopher Cookson  License this image

Haematopus unicolor, Tōrea Pango / Variable Oystercatcher are a medium sized shore bird common throughout New Zealand, commonly seen in estuarine environments where they feed on shellfish, crabs, and worms amongst other things. Oystercatchers come in several morphs* with a fully black morph, and a pied black and white morph. Birds are monogamous and typically nest on sandy beaches.

Variable oystercatchers can be seen throughout Marlborough in coastal environments including the east coast, and Marlborough Sounds.

This pair are the pied morph and were observed at Umungata Bay in Queen Charlotte Sound.

*A morph is a colour variation within the same species.

Image Date: 4/1/2020

Photographer: Christopher Cookson

Location: Latitude: -41.254967 Longitude: 173.940109

Web Links

Advertisement