Leucistic Oystercatcher in Auckland

An unusual variable oystercatcher, probably leucistic, seen in Auckland. Photo credit Andrew Bogle.

Variable oystercatcher displaying leucism, from Auckland. Courtesy of Andrew Bogle.

Two photos of a leucistic variable oystercatcher at Point Chevalier. The photo with Auckland Harbour bridge in the background was taken on the 13th March 2010 in the late afternoon on the eastern side of Coyle Park, and the second image shows the mudflats of Point Chevalier Beach. This is almost certainly the same bird in both pics as the two sites are only a few hundred metres apart.

Taken on the 13th March 2010 in the late afternoon on the eastern side of Coyle Park. Copyright Andrew Bogle

I had also seen this bird a few weeks ealier at yet another shore site, in Westmere, which is in the same general area of West Auckland on the upper Waitemata Harbour. The bird is always with a flock of oystercatchers and seems to be accepted by them as one of their own.

Variable Oystercatchers
The variable oystercatcher is endemic to New Zealand, locally known as torea pango.

They can appear as anything from all black to having a white front. However all white birds are not just 'very variable' but probably also have leucism or another colouration defect.

Leucism (or Leukism) 
Leucism is a very unusual condition whereby the pigmentation cells in an animal or bird fail to develop properly. This can result in unusual white patches appearing on the animal, or, more rarely, completely white creatures.

Click here to see our gallery of albino and leucistic animals and birds.

 The mudflats of Point Chevalier Beach.