The
South Island oystercatcher (
Haematopus finschi) is one of two common species of
oystercatchers found in New Zealand. After breeding inland on the
South Island, most of the population moves to estuaries, harbours, beaches and mudflats on the
North Island, where the birds largely feed on
molluscs and worms. It has piping calls, which are used socially and aggressively, as well as a piercing alarm call and a quiet flight call. This South Island oystercatcher was photographed in
Point Chevalier in Auckland.
Photograph credit: John Harrison