The Variable Oystercatcher or Torea-pango is endemic to New Zealand. It is one of 3 oystercatchers that breed in New Zealand, the others being the Chatham Island Oystercatcher which is also endemic and the (South Island) Pied Oystercatcher which is native but not endemic. Its common name derives from its varied plumage, which is either pied or black, or a range of plumages in between. Generally the pied version is seen more in the north of New Zealand whereas the black is seen more in the south. In fact, the black version is the only oystercatcher that can be seen down in Stewart Island.

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Keywords: birds, black, ication, oystercatcher, photograph, sea, shore, variable, zealand