The Chatham Islands oystercatcher or tōrea tai (Māori), formerly known as the Chatham oystercatcher, is a species of oystercatcher. It is a wading bird endemic to the Chatham Islands, New Zealand. This species is rated by the IUCN as endangered, and has a current population of 310 to 325 birds. The main threat is from introduced predators.
Region
Southwest Pacific (Chatham Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs on sandy and rocky shorelines, shell banks, dune-backed beaches, and around brackish lagoons of the Chatham and Pitt Islands and nearby islets. Breeding territories are typically on open ocean beaches just above the high-tide line. Outside the breeding season, birds may roost communally on sheltered shores or offshore rocks. They avoid heavily disturbed beaches and prefer stretches with natural wrack and intertidal invertebrate beds.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Known locally as tōrea tai, this oystercatcher is confined to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand. Intensive predator control and beach fencing have helped its numbers recover from a historical low to a few hundred birds. Its extremely restricted range makes it vulnerable to storms and sea-level rise. Pairs are long-lived and strongly site-faithful to traditional nesting beaches.
Haematopus chathamensis eggs from the collection of Auckland Museum
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight low over surf with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found as territorial pairs during the breeding season, vigorously defending stretches of beach. Nests are simple scrapes in sand, shell, or among low vegetation, typically with 2–3 eggs. Chicks are precocial and guided by parents to feeding areas; some communal roosting occurs in the non-breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, piercing piping calls and sharp ‘kleep’ alarms, especially when intruders approach the nest. Pairs often engage in duetting and display runs accompanied by rapid, excited piping.
