South Island Pied Oystercatcher

Haematopus finschi, the tōrea, is an endemic migratory oystercatcher breeding mainly inland. It differs from variable oystercatcher through its slimmer bill, sharp black-white boundary and seasonal movement between rivers and estuaries. It is black above and white below with a long orange-red bill and pink legs. A white wing-bar and rump pattern are conspicuous in flight.

It breeds along South Island braided rivers and farmland, then moves to coastal estuaries nationwide. Large winter concentrations occur around northern harbours. It probes for worms and shellfish and takes insects from pasture and riverbeds. Pairs vigorously defend open nesting territories.

The New Zealand classification is Declining. Miranda’s Pūkorokoro shellbanks and Farewell Spit hold large non-breeding flocks.