Juvenile © Paul Fenwick
Adult © William Higgins
Adult © Sarah Ngo
Adult © David Badke
+ 2
Adult and juvenile © Ken Langelier

Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Large, bulky shorebird. Dark overall with thick red bill, staring yellow eye, and thick, light pink legs. Exclusively coastal, favors rocky shorelines where it feeds on shellfish and other invertebrates. Usually in pairs or small flocks. Occurs from Alaska to northern Baja. Listen for loud yelps and whistles, often in a rapid series when excited. Hybrids with American Oystercatcher occur locally in southern California and Baja; look for messy spotting on the belly.

POWERED BY MERLIN