Variable oystercatcher

Another oystercatcher today, this time the variable oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor). Whereas there are over 100,000 South Island pied oystercatchers, there are far fewer variable oystercatchers, only around 5000-6000. That’s an increase on their numbers from the 1970s, when there were only about 2000 left. Their numbers dropped to such low levels because they used to be eaten, but even following protection in the 1920, their population hasn’t boomed. Like many natives, their reproductive success is low because of introduced predators and because of nests getting flooded or otherwise destroyed by human activities. Fortunately for the variable oystercatcher population, the adults live a long time, up to 30 years.