Variable Oystercatcher
A species of Oystercatchers Scientific name : Haematopus unicolor Genus : Oystercatchers
Variable Oystercatcher, A species of Oystercatchers
Botanical name: Haematopus unicolor
Genus: Oystercatchers
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Description People often ask General Info
Description
"Variable" refers to the frontal plumage, which ranges from pied through mottled to all black. They are polymorphic meaning they have different genetic variants. These color differences are attributed to the latitude of the habitat, where the northernmost oystercatchers have significantly more white on their bodies than those of southern origin. All Stewart Island variable oystercatchers are black. They have pink legs, an orange eye ring and orange-red beaks. Similar to a needle in shape, the bill is thin and long, and darkens to a deep red color during the breeding season. Males are around 678 grams and females slightly larger at around 724 grams. Length of individuals range from 42 to 47 cm from beak to tail and have a short, sturdy body with a thick neck. Variables can be identified as they are slightly larger than the South Island pied oystercatcher (SIPO are around 550 grams). Occasionally completely black, but if they are pied (black and white) they can be easily confused with SIPO. The variable species has less definition between the black and the white area, as well as a mottled band on the leading edges of the underwing. Variables also have a smaller white rump patch which is only a band across the base of the tail rather than a wide wedge shape reaching up to the middle of the back as in the SIPO. When mottled they are sometimes called "smudgies". While both sexes have the same plumage colorations and appear visually similar, there is some body dimorphism and female oystercatchers tend to be slightly larger in size. 
Size
49 cm
Colors
Black
Life Expectancy
20 years
Feeding Habits
Variable Oystercatcher consumes molluscs, crustaceans, worms, and small fish, favoring bivalves opened by stabbing and twisting with its bill, or hammering. It forages by sight or probing, primarily around low tide, and searches for earthworms inland post-rainfall.
Habitat
Variable Oystercatcher predominantly inhabits a variety of coastal terrains, primarily residing in proximities not exceeding 30 km from shorelines. These coastal settings encompass sandy beaches, estuaries, and regions adjacent to the sea, where breeding and nesting activities are commonly observed. Despite their coastal preference, variable Oystercatcher generally avoids gravelly and rock-laden beaches. The species adapts nesting strategies to their environment, often situating nests between rocks or within sand dunes, occasionally lining them with seaweed. During non-breeding seasons, variable Oystercatcher extends its range to include both sandy and rocky coastal areas, as well as navigating to pastoral lands, particularly after rainfall.
Dite type
Aquatic invertebrate eater
People often ask
General Info
Species Status
Throughout its entire range, H. unicolor is currently estimated to have 4000-5000 individuals total. Although this number appears low, the species is considered of least concern ecologically and noted to be in acceptable health. While no conservation efforts are in effect, other pieces of legislation that protect threatened and endangered coastal birds provide some additional resources for the oystercatchers as well. The species has increased in population over the past several generations and is expected to continue rising. H. unicolor has the national conservation status of "At Risk, Recovering" but is regarded as being "Regionally Vulnerable" in the Wellington region.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Shorebirds Family
Oystercatchers Genus
Oystercatchers Species
Variable Oystercatcher 
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