Story: Wading birds

Chatham Island oystercatchers

Chatham Island oystercatchers

This pair of Chatham Island oystercatchers has a story to tell. They represent one of just 84 breeding pairs in 2004, but this number was a big improvement on the previous three decades. Efforts to control predators, in particular cats, and to restore their breeding sites have paid off, leading to a steady climb in numbers. Chatham Island oystercatchers have larger feet than the other New Zealand oystercatchers, possibly because they live on rough, rocky terrain.

Using this item

Department of Conservation
Reference: 10047189
Photograph by Don Merton

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Wading birds - Oystercatchers', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/9155/chatham-island-oystercatchers (accessed 29 April 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2015