Within 3m of original co-ords.
The South Island Oystercatcher or South Island Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus finschi) is one of the two common oystercatchers found in New Zealand.
Easily identifiable as a pied oystercatcher – a large wader with striking black and white plumage, long red-orange bill and red legs. Distinguish from pied morph of Variable Oystercatcher by white lower back, more white on wing and demarcation line of black and white on breast further forward. Distinguish from Pied Oystercatcher by longer bill and shorter legs as well as forward demarcation line of white on back being pointed rather than square. Measurements: length 46 cm; wingspan 80-86 cm; weight 550 g.
Nests in sand scrapes on farmland or gravel banks in braided rivers. Clutch usually 2, sometimes 3, brown eggs, blotched dark and pale brown. Incubation period 24-28 days, with both sexes incubating. Young precocial and nidifugous; fledging 6 weeks after hatching.
The population of this species declined, mainly because of hunting, during the late 19th century and early 20th century but, with legal protection since 1940, has since been increasing. In 2002 the total population was estimated to be 110,000.