An iconic resident of western North American coastlines, the Black Oystercatcher is unmistakable with its entirely black body, vibrant red bill, and pink legs. It is perfectly adapted to its marine environment.
Where to spot
Inhabits rocky coastlines, intertidal zones, and offshore islands along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska south to Baja California.
How to spot
Look for them walking or running on rocky shores amidst crashing waves. Their dark plumage contrasts sharply with white foam, and their loud, piercing calls are easily heard.
When to spot
Present year-round within its coastal range. Best observed during low tide when they are actively foraging on exposed rocks and tide pools.
Where to spot
Inhabits rocky coastlines, intertidal zones, and offshore islands along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska south to Baja California.
How to spot
Look for them walking or running on rocky shores amidst crashing waves. Their dark plumage contrasts sharply with white foam, and their loud, piercing calls are easily heard.
When to spot
Present year-round within its coastal range. Best observed during low tide when they are actively foraging on exposed rocks and tide pools.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Black Oystercatchers are master mollusk handlers, using their strong, chisel-like bills to pry limpets off rocks or sever the adductor muscles of mussels and barnacles.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.