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Birds
Black oystercatcher
Black oystercatcher · Haematopus bachmani
The black oystercatcher, a close relative of the Eurasian oystercatcher, stands out along rocky coasts with its black plumage, red bill and loud call.
Fact file
- Size
- Body length about 45 to 47 centimetres with a wingspan up to 90 centimetres, weight around 650 grams
- Males and females
- Females are slightly larger and often have a longer bill than males
- Sounds
- Loud, piercing whistling calls, especially during the breeding season
- Diet
- Feeds mainly on mussels, crabs, sea urchins and other marine animals, which it opens with its bill
- Offspring
- Breeds from May to July, usually lays two to three eggs in a hollow on rocks or shingle
How to identify Black oystercatcher
The black oystercatcher, a close relative of the Eurasian oystercatcher, is a striking bird with deep black plumage that shines slightly in sunlight. Particularly distinctive are its long, strong bill in bright orange and the red eyes with a fine, pale ring. Its legs and feet are also coloured pink to reddish and stand out clearly against the background when it is on the rocks.
With a body length of up to 47 centimetres and a sturdy build, the black oystercatcher looks compact, powerful and agile. In flight you can recognise it by its broad, rounded wings and its distinctive call. Juvenile birds are usually a little browner in tone and their bill is paler than that of the adults.
More in the app
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- general viewing tips
Where Black oystercatcher live
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