14 Aug 2017 by Em
Categories: Oyster Catchers
The Torea (tor'-ee-ah), pied Oyster Catchers Haematopus finschi returned today to lay claim to their breeding territory. Soon the Torea Pango (pung-or) variable Oyster Catchers Haematopus unicolor will arrive to debate the Pied's definition of 'their.' Negotiations are held at various locations around Hukawai Lodge - on the front lawn, in the car park, on the deck. As with all arbitration, settlement can take time. Neither are native NZ birds.
Torea prefer to lay their eggs on gravel which keeps the egg warm, drains well and is a similar colour to Torea eggs. In my experience the couple that return to Hukawai Lodge lay three eggs in a clutch only one chick usually makes it out of the shell.
http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/variable-oystercatcher
http://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/south-island-pied-oystercatcher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw5f_zB9FWs
