The variable oystercatcher is a familiar stocky coastal bird with a long, bright orange bill, found around much of New Zealand. They are often seen in pairs probing busily for shellfish along beaches or in estuaries. Previously shot for food, variable oystercatchers probably reached low numbers before being protected in 1922, since when numbers have increased rapidly. They are long-lived, with some birds reaching 30+ years of age.

Thanks Megan. I still get mixed up between those birds since they both have black and white markings. I will fix my title.

You must be an avid bird watcher if you can tell them apart by their songs. I should pay more attention to these things.

Well at least I can tell a kookaburra by its laugh.
A laughing kookaburra always makes people smile.
It must attract a bit of attention in the supermarket?