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9

South Island Oystercatcher

(Haematopus finschi)
Alternate name(s): "South Island Pied Oystercatcher", "Finsch's Oystercatcher"
Size: 44-48 cm; wing span 80-86 cm
Weight: 550 g (average)

Similar
species

Description     Classification     Distribution     Sightings     Photos     Breeding     Nest     Eggs     Behaviour     Food     Call/s

Physical description

Click here for a physical description

Taxonomy, classification

See South Island Oystercatcher at Wikipedia .

Range, habitat, finding this species

Click here for information on habitat and range

Sightings

Click here for sighting information

Photos

ADULT

Sex unknown

Lateral view of a South Island Oystercatcher; note the characteristic long, orange bill (photo courtesy of B. Hensen)
[Moseley Park Swamp, Lord Howe Island, November 2014]

Lateral view of a South Island Oystercatcher being hassled by a Magpie-lark (photo courtesy of B. Hensen)
[Moseley Park Swamp, Lord Howe Island, November 2014]

Near-dorsal view of the same South Island Oystercatcher as above; during take-off one can see the distinctive broad white wing band, with inner secondaries white to the edge (photo courtesy of B. Hensen)
[Moseley Park Swamp, Lord Howe Island, November 2014]

Comparison Australian Pied Oystercatcher vs. South Island Pied Oystercatcher

Direct comparison between a FEMALE Australian Pied Oystercatcher, top, and a South Island Oystercatcher, bottom - note the latter's more slender and longer bill
(photos courtesy of M. Eaton, top, and B. Hensen, bottom)

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