Black Oystercatcher Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesBlack Oystercatcher
Adult
Stocky, all-dark shorebird with a red bill and yellow eye.
© Sharif Uddin / Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, December 09, 2019Juvenile
Juveniles are all dark with a dark-tipped red bill.
© Paul Fenwick / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, October 08, 2020Adult
Typically found on rocky shores. All-dark body and long, orange-red bill are distinctive.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 18, 2011Not all videos have sound
Adult
Dark overall in flight. Eats molluscs, especially mussels and limpets.
© William Higgins / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 22, 2017Adult
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, 2017Adult
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, 2017Adult and juvenile
Nonbreeding birds often roost together on rocky shorelines above the high water mark.
© Ken Langelier / Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, August 24, 2016Similar SpeciesAmerican Oystercatcher
Adult
American Oystercatchers have a white belly whereas Black Oystercatchers have a black belly.
© David Disher / Macaulay LibraryNorth Carolina, March 24, 2015Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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