Pied Oystercatcher vs Variable Oystercatcher
Haematopus longirostris compared with Haematopus unicolor
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Pied Oystercatcher | Variable Oystercatcher |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haematopus longirostris | Haematopus unicolor |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae | Haematopodidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 55.1 cm (21.7 in) | 54.1 cm (21.3 in) |
| Weight | 617.0 g (21.76 oz) | 683.1666666666666 g (24.10 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 2 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Shared Habitats
Pied Oystercatcher only
Variable Oystercatcher only
None
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Pied Oystercatcher
Least Concern
Variable Oystercatcher
About These Birds
Pied Oystercatcher
Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) is a large 40–47 cm oystercatcher of Australia and New Guinea. Black and white patterning; bright orange-red bill; pink legs; orange eye ring. Inhabits sandy beaches, estuaries, and tidal flats around Australian coastline. Common and familiar beach bird.
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.