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South Island Oystercatcher

Haematopus finschi

The South Island pied oystercatcher (SIPO) is the most abundant oystercatcher in New Zealand. The conspicuous black and white plumage and long red bill make this a familiar species. It is found on most estuaries, with numbers greatest during the period December to July. Fewer birds remain in coastal areas during the rest of the year, with most of the population moving to inland South Island riverbeds and farmland to breed.

Similar species of pied oystercatchers occur throughout Europe, North and South America and Australia.
(stolen from NZ Birds)

South Island Pied Oystercatcher

South Island Pied Oystercatcher - Image Gordon Arthur