Variable Oystercatcher

Taxobox
name = Variable Oystercatcher

---

image_caption = Mottled variant
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Charadriiformes
familia = Haematopodidae
genus = "Haematopus"
species = "H. unicolor"
binomial = "Haematopus unicolor"
binomial_authority = Forster, 1844
synonyms = The variable oystercatcher ("Haematopus unicolor") is a species of wader in the Haematopodidae family.It is endemic to New Zealand. The Maori name is torea-pango [http://www.awana.co.nz/flora/birdlife-oyster-fact.html retrieved 2008] . They are also known as 'red bills' [http://www.awana.co.nz/flora/birdlife-oyster-fact.html retirieved 2008] .

"Variable" refers to the frontal plumage, which ranges from pied through mottled to all black. They are polymorphic meaning they have different genetic variants [http://www.newzealandfauna.com/variableoystercatcher.php retieved 2008] . Blacker birds are more common in the south. All They nest on the shore between rocks or on sand dunes by making a scrape out of the sand or shingle, sometimes lined with some seaweed. When in flight they make a high pitched 'kleep kleep' sound [An encyclopaedia of New Zealand, 1966. Available online] . They usually lay 2-3 eggs but they can lay up to 5. The eggs are typically stone coloured with small brown patches all over. Eggs hatch in 25-32 days. Chicks are well camouflaged by their colour and can fly in about 6 weeks. The bird lives up to about 27 years.

ource

* BirdLife International 2004. [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/49120/all Haematopus unicolor] . [http://www.iucnredlist.org 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. ] Downloaded on 24 July 2007.

References