Tuesday, 11 February 2014

Variable Oyster Catcher



The Variable Oyster Catcher is found only in New Zealand and is protected due to its low numbers.  It varies in colour from black and white to pure black and has a red bill, red-orange eye ring and pink legs.  

It is larger than the Pied Oyster Catcher at 48cm (nearly 19in) long and can live up to 27 years.

They can be very noisy and this one was not shy about telling us to move on.  I think there might have been a nest nearby as he tried to lead us away.
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25 comments:

  1. Carole M.11 February 2014 at 23:23

    I like these waders and the backdrop of the driftwood is perfect

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  2. eileeninmd11 February 2014 at 23:23

    I love the Oystercatchers, they are cool looking birds. Great shots. Have a happy day!

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  3. DeniseinVA11 February 2014 at 23:26

    Now there's a real beauty, great photos Jocee. He is a very striking bird.

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  4. Hootin Anni12 February 2014 at 01:25

    Love birding myself...I have a 2nd blog devoted to bird photos. LOL

    This oystercatcher is all black! The ones we have here in South Texas are black and white. Your photos are great.

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  5. Karen12 February 2014 at 05:41

    What a cool looking bird! Love those pink legs!

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  6. Unknown12 February 2014 at 08:09

    Fabulous shots! Our oystercatcher is black and white.

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    1. Jocee12 February 2014 at 09:24

      We have some pied ones too but I haven't seen one yet.

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  7. Laura12 February 2014 at 08:50

    I love the contrast of the bright orange beak against the deep blue water!

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  8. HansHB12 February 2014 at 09:35

    Splendid photowork!

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  9. betty-NZ12 February 2014 at 11:46

    I love to see these guys along the beach. They stand out from the gulls.

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  10. mick12 February 2014 at 16:58

    Great photos of the Variable Oystercatcher. We don't have them here in Australia but we do have an all-black oystercatcher that we call a "Sooty Oystercatcher".

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    1. Jocee12 February 2014 at 17:49

      They are probably cousins from way back :)

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  11. Powell River Books12 February 2014 at 18:09

    That is a distinctive bill. - Margy

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    1. Jocee12 February 2014 at 20:13

      Yes, looks rather heavy to carry around.

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  12. Adam Jones13 February 2014 at 09:27

    Fantastic pictures. I didn't even know there was a Variable Oystercatcher. Thanks for enlightening me.

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  13. Jen13 February 2014 at 16:05

    That bright beak and eye are striking against the black feathers. Beautiful bird.

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  14. Rambling Woods14 February 2014 at 06:54

    I love seeing birds from all over. I am glad this one is protected. Great photos for Nature Notes... Michelle

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