- Charadriiformes
- Haematopodidae
Chatham Islands Oystercatcher Haematopus chathamensis
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Identification
Stocky wader with distinctive pied plumage, red eye surrounded by orange eye-ring, orange bill, and pink legs and feet in adults. Juvenile birds have paler skin and dark tip to bill. Found around rocky and sandy coasts of the Chatham Islands. Most often seen in pairs. Gives a high-pitched piping call in territorial defense and courtship. Chatham Oystercatcher distinguished from South Island Pied Oystercatcher (SIPO) by smaller size and smudged border between black and white on breast.