American Oystercatcher
Haematopus palliatus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Charadriiformes · Haematopodidae
About
The American oystercatcher, occasionally called the American pied oystercatcher, is a member of family Haematopodidae. Originally called the "sea pie", it was renamed in 1731 when naturalist Mark Catesby claimed that he had observed the bird eating oysters. The current population of American oystercatchers is estimated to be 43,000. There are estimated to be 1,500 breeding pairs along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the US. The bird is marked by its black and white body and a long, thick orange beak.
Fun Fact
The American oystercatcher feeds almost exclusively on shellfish and other marine invertebrates.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in coastal habitats including sand or shell beaches, dunes, salt marshes, marsh islands, mudflats, and dredge spoil islands made of sand or gravel.
Diet
Eat mussels, clams, limpets, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, and worms.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance