South Island Oystercatcher vs Variable Oystercatcher
Haematopus finschi compared with Haematopus unicolor
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | South Island Oystercatcher | Variable Oystercatcher |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haematopus finschi | Haematopus unicolor |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae | Haematopodidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 50.4 cm (19.8 in) | 54.1 cm (21.3 in) |
| Weight | 534.25 g (18.85 oz) | 683.1666666666666 g (24.10 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-3 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
South Island Oystercatcher only
Variable Oystercatcher only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
South Island Oystercatcher
Least Concern
Variable Oystercatcher
About These Birds
South Island Oystercatcher
South Island Oystercatcher (Haematopus finschi) is a large 44–49 cm oystercatcher endemic to New Zealand. Black above, white below; orange-red bill; pinkish legs. Breeds on braided riverbeds of South Island; winters on North Island and Stewart Island tidal flats. The only New Zealand oystercatcher that migrates between islands.
Variable Oystercatcher
Variable Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor) is a large 46–49 cm oystercatcher endemic to New Zealand's coastline. Plumage ranges from all-black to pied (black and white) within the same population. Orange-red bill; pink legs. Inhabits rocky and sandy shores around both main islands and offshore islands. Feeds on bivalves, worms, and crustaceans.