About Haematopus chathamensis E.Hartert, 1927
Species Identification
The Chatham Islands oystercatcher (Haematopus chathamensis E.Hartert, 1927) has a distinctive black and white plumage and a long, thick orange-red beak.
Plumage Coloration
Its head, neck, breast, back, wings, and tail are all black. Its lower underparts are white, with an unclear boundary between the black breast and white lower underparts.
Soft Part Coloration
This oystercatcher has red irises, orange orbital rings around its eyes, and short, thick pink legs.
Body Size
Adult individuals reach approximately 48 centimeters (19 inches) in length.
Distribution Range
The Chatham Islands oystercatcher is found exclusively on the Chatham Islands, an archipelago located around 680 kilometers (420 miles) southeast of New Zealand.
Breeding Population Distribution
Each of the archipelago's four main islands hosts a small breeding population of the species.
