The Variable Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor), also known as Torea-pango (Maori), is a species of wader found throughout New Zealand. It typically inhabits the sandy or rocky coastlines feeding mostly on molluscs, worms, crabs and small sea insects. "Variable" refers to the frontal plumage, which ranges from pied through mottled to all black. They are polymorphic meaning they have different genetic variants, with blacker birds more common in the south. They have pink legs, an orange eye ring and red beaks. They are often seen in pairs on the coast all around New Zealand. During breeding, the pair will defend their territory, sometimes aggressively. Once mated pairs rarely divorce.