Black oystercatchers are striking shorebirds found along the coastlines of North America’s Pacific coast. With their bold black and white plumage, bright orange beaks, and loud piping calls, these wading birds are a distinctive presence on rocky shorelines and beaches from Alaska to Baja California.
Quick Facts
Here are some key facts about the black oystercatcher:
- Scientific name: Haematopus bachmani
- Average length: 17-19 inches
- Weight: 16-26 ounces
- Wingspan: 31-35 inches
- Conservation status: Least concern
Range and Distribution
The black oystercatcher is found along the Pacific coast of North America. Their breeding range stretches from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska south to the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. They are year-round residents throughout much of this coastal range.
Some key areas where they can be found include:
- Alaska – Found along the Aleutian Islands, the Alaska Peninsula, and mainland coast
- British Columbia – Common along the coastal islands and shorelines
- Washington – Found along the Puget Sound and coastline
- Oregon – Present along the entire Oregon coast
- California – Common all along the coast from the Oregon border to Baja California
- Mexico – Found in coastal Baja California
Habitat
The black oystercatcher is highly adapted to living along rocky shorelines. Their habitat preferences include:
- Rocky intertidal zones
- Rocky beaches
- Outcroppings of boulders and rocks along the shore
- Jetties and breakwaters
They are typically not found on sandy beaches without rocks or sheltered salt marshes. Access to the intertidal zone for foraging during low tides is essential.
Feeding Habits
The diet of the black oystercatcher consists mainly of marine invertebrates such as:
- Mussels
- Limpets
- Chitons
- Snails
- Crabs
- Marine worms
They use their long, pointed orange bills to pry open or hammer through the shells of mollusks like mussels and limpets. Their bills are also adapted for probing crevices in rocks for crabs, worms, and other prey.
Breeding and Nesting
Black oystercatchers form monogamous breeding pairs. Their nesting season runs from April through July. They nest directly on the ground in a simple scrape, typically on a protected rocky ledge or outcropping. Both parents share in incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Some key facts about their breeding habits:
- Clutch size is typically 2-4 eggs
- Incubation period lasts 26-29 days
- Chicks can swim within 1 day of hatching
- Chicks fledge at about 35 days
Population and Conservation Status
The global population of the black oystercatcher is estimated to number around 11,000 individuals. Their population is divided into two distinct subspecies:
- H. b. bachmani – Found from British Columbia through Alaska
- H. b. frazari – Found from Washington to Baja California
The black oystercatcher is currently classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Their populations appear generally stable and they face no major widespread threats. However, oil spills remain a risk factor in some parts of their coastal habitat, and disturbance of nest sites and foraging areas by human recreation activities can impact local subpopulations.
| Location | Population | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| California | 3,400 | Stable |
| Oregon | 900 | Stable |
| Washington | 700 | Stable |
| British Columbia | 2,000 | Stable |
| Southeast Alaska | 3,500 | Stable |
Viewing and Birdwatching
The black oystercatcher offers excellent birdwatching opportunities along the Pacific coast. Some tips for viewing them include:
- Scan rocky intertidal zones at low tide
- Look for them loafing on offshore rocks and reefs
- Listen for their loud, piping calls
- Search for them along jetties and pier pilings
Some top spots for sighting black oystercatchers include:
- Point Reyes National Seashore, California
- Yaquina Head, Oregon
- boundary Bay, British Columbia
- Prince William Sound, Alaska
A great way to spot them is during winter when they gather in small flocks along the outer coast. With patience, birdwatchers can observe them using their specialized bills to forage along the tideline.
Conclusion
In summary, the striking black oystercatcher is an iconic shorebird endemic to the coastal regions of western North America. Their range stretches along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico, where they occupy a specialized rocky shoreline niche. While locally subject to disturbance, most populations remain stable and they can be readily observed at many top birding sites throughout their coastal range.
