VARIABLE OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus unicolor)

This is the uncommon Variable Oystercatcher which is found only in New Zealand - meaning it is endemic.  It is the only oystercatcher in the world which has three colour types as it matures. They are Black - Pied or a hybrid of those two.  This one is a juvenile as it has a brownish tinge to its young feathers. It was estimated in 2005 there were only 4,500 birds.  Strangely, I've never seen one in its intermediate stage of colour which would mean white speckled bands around its underside.
Rgds Ian K