Bird · GBIF taxon 2480272
Black Oystercatcher
Haematopus bachmaniThe Black Oystercatcher is a stocky dark shorebird with pink legs, a red-orange bill, and a yellow iris outlined by a red orbital ring. Pairs defend rocky coastlines where they pry limpets and mussels from wave-washed surfaces and nest just above the high-tide line.
rocky-shore birdmollusk specialistcoastal territory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- mussels
- limpets
- chitons
Predators
- bald eagles
- peregrine falcons
- introduced mammals
ThreatsCoastal disturbance, oil spills, introduced predators, marine heatwaves, prey loss, and rising seas
HabitatsRocky shores, offshore islets, reefs, cobble beaches, headlands, and protected coastal ledges
Life spanOften 10 to 15 years, with some wild birds living longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyHaematopodidae
- SpeciesHaematopus bachmani
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Give alarm-calling pairs immediate space and stay off rocky nest ledges.
Responsible observation
- Bill: Look for a long red-orange bill against an otherwise dark body.
- Foraging: Watch wave-washed rock surfaces from beyond the pair's territory.
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