Variable Oystercatcher

Māori name: Tōrea

Scientific name: Haematopus unicolor

Recovering

The variable oystercatcher is a large, striking shorebird found along New Zealand's coastlines. True to its name, it comes in three colour forms — all black, black and white (pied), and an intermediate smudgy form in between. Pāuanui Beach is a stronghold for this species, with good numbers recorded regularly. They nest on sandy beaches and rocky shores, and pairs mate for life, often returning to the same nesting site year after year.

Did you know?

Variable oystercatchers are one of New Zealand's conservation success stories — once critically low in numbers, the population has recovered significantly thanks to predator control and public awareness. They can live for over 30 years.

Threats

Ground nesting makes eggs and chicks vulnerable to cats, stoats, rats, and dogs. Human foot traffic and vehicles on nesting beaches are also a significant concern during the breeding season (September to January).

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