African Oystercatcher

Haematopus moquini

The African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) is a striking shorebird found along the rocky coastlines of southern Africa. With its distinctive black plumage, bright red bill, and pink legs, this medium-sized oystercatcher is well-adapted to its coastal habitat. These birds are often seen foraging for mollusks and other invertebrates in the intertidal zones, using their strong bills to pry open shells. African Black Oystercatchers are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds, often returning to the same breeding sites year after year. While their populations are currently stable, they face threats from human disturbance, habitat loss, and pollution.

Habitat: Rocky coastlines

Tours where you can spot this bird

Southern Namibia Birding Adventure - November 2026

Namibia / Windhoek Group tour 13 days | 0h

A fixed November 2026 Namibia birding safari from Windhoek to Fish River Canyon, the Namib Desert and Walvis Bay....

From 6500.00 USD Next: 2026-11-02

Western Cape Highlights Birding with Lawson's Safaris

South Africa / Cape Town Group tour 10 days | 0h

A 10-day Western Cape birding tour from Cape Town for fynbos endemics, Cape Point, penguins, cranes, whales, West Coast wetlands and wine co...

From 55890.00 ZAR Next: 2026-10-13

Custom Birding Tours Across Namibia

Namibia / Walvis Bay Custom tour 0h

Open-itinerary Namibia birding safaris quoted around the client's targets, time frame and preferred route....

From 0.00 NAD

Coastal Birding Day Tour

Namibia / Walvis Bay 4h

A private Walvis Bay coastal birding half-day tour, with a full-day option available by arrangement....

From 2500.00 NAD

3-Day Cape Town Birding Tour

South Africa / Cape Town Private tour 3 days | 0h

A 3-day Cape Town birding itinerary covering Cape Peninsula, Hottentots Holland, False Bay and key local habitats....

From 0.00 ZAR

10-Day Western Cape Birding Tour

South Africa / Cape Town Private tour 10 days | 0h

A private or small-group Western Cape birding itinerary from Cape Town through the Cape Peninsula, West Coast, Tankwa Karoo, Agulhas Plain, ...

From 0.00 ZAR