VARIABLE OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus unicolor)

This is a Varaiable Oystercatcher(Haematopus inicolor). I make note of the genus name because its not the Pied Oystercatcher ( haematopus ostralegus) The Variable oystercatcher is endemic to New Zealand which means it is only found in New Zealand. The pied oystercatcher is found throughout the world.
The variable can occur in three colour types - Black,pied,or an intermediate colouring between the two.  This for me can mean trouble because I often think when seen in the pied form they are a Pied O/C.
Anyway here's the Variable - they are not as common as the Pied. There is a flock of about 20 30 around the Christchurch Estuary at the moment and this is one of them.
See my blips of May 10th/21st/26th for pied Oystercatcher.
rgds Pooh