The Variable Oystercatcher is a coastal bird endemic to New Zealand. Its plumage ranges from all black to pied, but these forms are variation within one species.
Plumage varies from all black through intermediate patterns to black and white. These forms interbreed and are not separate species.
It searches coastal areas for shellfish and uses its strong bill to prise open bivalves.
It makes a shallow scrape in sand and usually lays 2–3 eggs. Both parents share incubation for about 28 days.
Small chicks hide under vegetation or rocks while parents bring food. They may continue begging from parents well after they can fly.
Adults have a bright orange bill, red iris, and orange eye-ring. First-year birds have browner upperparts, a dark bill tip, and grey legs.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.