Black Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani

The Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) is a distinctive shorebird found along the rocky coastlines of western North America. With its striking black plumage, long orange-red bill, and bright yellow eyes, this medium-sized bird is well adapted to foraging in intertidal zones for its primary food source, shellfish. Black Oystercatchers are known for their loud, piping calls and strong territorial behavior during the breeding season. They build their nests on rocky shores and islands, often near mussel beds. Despite their coastal habitat, they are also known to breed inland near freshwater rivers and lakes. Due to their reliance on coastal habitats, they are vulnerable to disturbances and habitat loss.

Habitat: Rocky coastlines and islands