Steve Ransom asked:
"Can anyone send me a link to an image that shows the underside of a juvenile OZPO's wing? I have
looked quite extensively to no avail."
Unfortunately I did not include a shot of the underwing of a Pied Oystercatcher in my collection of
images comparing SIPO to OZPO.
I have recognised this failing for some time but have neglected doing something about it. Perhaps
this is the incentive.
Simplistically, the area of the underwing indicated by the arrows and an 'X' in my image of the
underwing of the SIPO would be basically dark or near enough to black on the Pied Oystercatcher
(OZPO).
That is, on the OZPO half the underwing would be black and the other half white.
The difference would be quite obvious. But you might have to observe the bird for some time before
it raises its wing for you to see.
As it was put to me and I subsequently observed, if you are in doubt it is probably a Pied
Oystercatcher. The SIPO does stand out in a crowd due to its short legs, long tapered bill and its
overall size; you will *know* when you see one.
Note:
The back pattern can be hard to see and the amount of white exposed on the
folded wing is variable.
Pied Oystercatcher bills can range from 61 mm (male) to 90 mm (female) while SIPO bills can range
from 73 mm (m) to 98 mm (f) but SIPO bills are a different shape to those of OZPOs.
Cheers
Bob Inglis
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