South Island Oystercatcher

Easily identifiable as a pied oystercatcher – a large wader with striking black and white plumage, long red-orange bill and red legs. Distinguish from pied morph of Variable Oystercatcher by white lower back, more white on wing and demarcation line of black and white on breast further forward. Distinguish from Pied Oystercatcher by longer bill and shorter legs as well as forward demarcation line of white on back being pointed rather than square. Measurements: length 46 cm; wingspan 80-86 cm; weight 550 g.

The South Island Oystercatcher is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

Eurasian Oystercatcher and the South Island Oystercatcher, both of which breed inland, far inland in some cases. In the past there has been a great deal of confusion as to the species limits, with discrete populations of all black oystercatchers being afforded specific status but pied oystercatchers being considered one single species. More