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South Island Pied Oystercatcher

Torea

Haematopus ostralegus finschi

Not nearly as common as the Variable Oystercatchers, never the less we see "SIPO's" often enough. Having said that I have never seen a nesting pair on Ulva. Like the Variables partnerships seem long term, if not life long, and generally these birds are seen as pairs, although perhaps including one or two juveniles, presumably their recent offspring.

Their distinctive black & white plumage, red beaks and busy bustling gait make SIPO's and Variable Oystercatchers entertaining companions on any beach


Pied Oystercatchers . These are noisy birds
Feeding. SIPO's are busy feeders. At low tide they work the mud flats and beaches
Ground Feeding. When the tide is in they will often shift their attention to grassed areas.