Sth Island Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus finschi

South Island Pied Oystercatcher - usually called SIPO - one of New Zealand's two common oystercatchers. The other is the variable. Can be distinguished from the Pied Oystercatcher by its shorter legs and longer bill.

This one is carrying a cockle from the mud flats, which it has prised open with its bill.

Nests in shallow sandy nests on braided rivers, and does not breed at the beach.

Has a loud call and can be quite aggressive to other birds.

they used to be hunted around 100 years ago and declined, but have been protected since 1940.

They are endemic to New Zealand.

Haematopus finschi