About the Variable Oystercatcher
The variable oystercatcher is a species of wader in the family Haematopodidae. It is endemic to New Zealand. The Māori name is tōrea-pango. They are also known as 'red bills'.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
"Variable" refers to the frontal plumage, which ranges from pied through mottled to all black. They are polymorphic meaning they have different genetic variants. These color differences are attributed to the latitude of the habitat, where the northernmost oystercatchers have significantly more white on their bodies than those of southern origin. All Stewart Island variable oystercatchers are black. They have pink legs, an orange eye ring and orange-red beaks. Similar to a needle in shape, the bill is thin and long, and darkens to a deep red color during the breeding season. Voice: When in flight they make a high pitched 'kleep kleep' sound.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Variable Oystercatcher sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Germany.
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Sooty OystercatcherHaematopus fuliginosusMeasuring 42 to 52 cm (16.5 to 20.5 in) long with a bill length of 5–8 cm (2–3 in), the sooty oystercatcher has all black plumage, with pink-red legs and scarlet or orange-red bill and eyes.
South Island OystercatcherHaematopus finschiThe South Island oystercatcher is easily identifiable as a pied oystercatcher – a large wader with striking black and white plumage, long red-orange bill, and red legs.
African OystercatcherHaematopus moquiniThe African oystercatcher is a large, noisy wader, with completely black plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill.
Learn the Variable Oystercatcher for real
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