Oyster Catchers (Charadriiformes)

South Island Pied Oyster Catcher (Haematopus finschi) (Toreo)

These oyster catchers only breed in the South Island, mainly along the shingle river systems flowing eastwards from the Southern Alps. Called "SIPO" by local birdwatchers, it is a noisy, wary, excitable and conspicuous shorebird with high pitched, piercing calls. It also lives in permanent pairs and is highly territorial in summer.