VARIABLE OYSTERCATCHER, TIRITIRI MATANGI ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

   We can ID this oystercatcher as a Variable Oystercatcher by its all black color, bright red-orange bill, pink legs and red eye-ring.   It is called "variable" because the front plumage varies from pied to mottled to all black. The Variable Oystercatcher is endemic to New Zealand. 

   The Variable Oystercatcher is a new species to our Photographic Life List, which now stands at 725.