Name: American oystercatcher
Scientific Name: Haematopus bachmani (Audubon, 1838)
Family: Haematopodidae
Group: Birds
Class: Birds
Size: 26-50 cm.
The black oystercatcher is easily identified by its beautiful black silhouette, which contrasts with its bright orange-coloured beak. This bird's characteristic sharp call is heard above the strong rumble of the crashing of waves on the rocks where it lives. Here, its flattened and blade-like beak is extremely useful and efficient for opening shells and molluscs or pulling limpets off the rocks. During the breeding season, the black oystercatchers make skimming flights in which they beat their wings rhythmically, in synchrony with their call. At this time they form large groups, which congregate on the rocks.
Photo by:
Abílio Leitão
Temperate Pacific
