About the Chatham Islands Oystercatcher
The Chatham Islands oystercatcher or tōrea tai (Māori), formerly known as the Chatham oystercatcher, is a species of oystercatcher. It is a wading bird endemic to the Chatham Islands, New Zealand. This species is rated by the IUCN as endangered, and has a current population of 310 to 325 birds. The main threat is from introduced predators.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Chatham Islands oystercatcher has distinctive black and white plumage and a long, thick orange-red beak. The head, neck, breast, back, wings and tail are black. The lower underparts are white with an unclear demarcation on the breast. The irises are red and the eyes have orange orbital rings. The short, thick legs are pink. Adults are about 48 centimetres (19 in) in length.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Chatham Islands Oystercatcher lives
When to see the Chatham Islands Oystercatcher
Peak activity in December · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Magellanic OystercatcherHaematopus leucopodusThe Magellanic oystercatcher has a length between 42 and 46 cm (17 and 18 in).
Blackish OystercatcherHaematopus aterThe blackish oystercatcher's plumage is slaty-black with wings and back rather dark brown.
African OystercatcherHaematopus moquiniThe African oystercatcher is a large, noisy wader, with completely black plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill.
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