The Black Oystercatcher is a distinctive bird of rocky coasts in western North America. With their brilliantly orangish-red bill contrasting with their black plumage and pale legs, they are an unmistakeable sight as they forage along shorelines for shellfish and other prey. Pairs of Black Oystercatchers typically mate for life, may live over 15 years, and rarely wander far from their home range. Because of these characteristics, birders often are able to observe the same mated pair for several years at a time.
Habitat:
At all seasons, Black Oystercatchers are found along rocky shorelines, strongly preferring offshore rocky islands and the nearby mainland shoreline. During winter months, they can also sometimes be found on mudflats or in other areas close to rocky shorelines.
Diet:
Mostly feeds on shellfish such as limpets or mussels, but will also feed on a variety of other marine life, such as crabs, sea urchins, marine worms, and large insect larvae.
Behavior:
Forages by walking along the rocky shoreline in search of shellfish. Most foraging is done at low tide, when mussel beds or other food sources are exposed.
Nesting:
The Black Oystercatcher is thought to mate for life, with breeding pairs staying in the same general vicinity for most of their lives. The nest is on high ground, well above high-tide line, most often on an offshore island. Both the male and female will help to build the nest, which consists of a slight scrape on the ground, usually lined with a few shells or small rocks. Both parents incubate the eggs and help to raise the young..
Interactive eBird Map:
Click to access an interactive eBird map of Black Oystercatcher sightings
Song:
The black oystercatcher produces loud, high-pitched, and piercing whistling notes, often described as an excitable "whee-whee-whee" or a sharp "currr" call. These distinctive calls are frequently given in rapid, shrieking series to signal territory or warn of danger.
Migration:
Black Osytercatchers are permanent residents in most of their range. Some populations may make short-distance migrations after breeding, but generally remain close to summer breeding grounds.
Similar Species:
Distinctive, especially in range along the Pacific Coast. Similar in structure to the American Osytercatcher. The Black Oystercatcher is almost entirely soot-black with dark brown wings, inhabiting rocky coastlines of the Pacific, whereas the American Oystercatcher has a distinct black head, brown back, and bright white belly. American Oystercatchers are found on sandy, marshy Atlantic/Gulf coasts and show a white wing bar in flight, while Black Oystercatchers are confined to the West Coast.
Conservation Status:
The IUCN currently lists the Black Oystercatcher as a species of "Least Concern ". Populations are still widespread, with Black Oystercatchers locally common in some locations.
Photo Information:
June 10th, 2009 - Sutro Baths area of coastal San Francisco, California - Terry Sohl
