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Black Oystercatcher Identification

Black Oystercatcher Adult
Adult

Stocky, all-dark shorebird with a red bill and yellow eye.

© Joshua Covill | Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, March 23, 2017
Black Oystercatcher Juvenile
Juvenile

Juveniles are all dark with a dark-tipped red bill.

© Maggie Smith | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 27, 2016
Black Oystercatcher Adult
Adult

Typically found on rocky shores. All-dark body and long, orange-red bill are distinctive.

© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 18, 2011
Black Oystercatcher Adult
Adult

Dark overall in flight. Eats molluscs, especially mussels and limpets.

© William Higgins | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 22, 2017
Black Oystercatcher Adults
Adults

Pairs often engage in "piping display" to greet mates or threaten intruders. Pairs rotate in place or run side by side with short, quick steps while giving piping notes.

© Sarah Ngo | Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 08, 2017
Black Oystercatcher Adults
Adults

Large, conspicuous, noisy shorebird of the Pacific Coast. Found along rocky seacoasts and islands, less commonly on sandy beaches.

© David Badke | Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, January 06, 2017
Black Oystercatcher Adults and juveniles
Adults and juveniles

Nonbreeding birds often roost together on rocky shorelines above the high water mark.

© Ken Langelier | Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, August 24, 2016
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Adult Description

Large shorebird. Black head and body. Large red bill. Stout, dull pink legs. Eyes yellow, with surrounding ring of red skin.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but bill duller and back with scaly light edges to feathers.
Relative Size

Relative Sizecrow sizedcrow-sized
Measurements
  • Both Sexes
    • Length: 16.5-18.5 in (42-47 cm)
    • Weight: 17.6-24.7 oz (500-700 g)

Species in This Family

Oystercatchers(Order: Charadriiformes, Family:Haematopodidae)

American OystercatcherAmerican Oystercatcher
Black OystercatcherBlack Oystercatcher

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