- Charadriiformes
- Haematopodidae
Magellanic Oystercatcher Haematopus leucopodus
Sign in to see your badges
Identification
A boldly patterned large and chunky shorebird of southern South America and Falklands. Favors rocky coastlines and adjacent river mouths, but also frequent on nearby grasslands and lakeshores. Associates readily with other oystercatchers. Told from American Oystercatcher by its glossy black head and upperparts that lack the white shoulder spur. In flight the distinctive upperwing pattern with big white panel on trailing edge separates it from American. At close range, also note the yellow eyering (red on American). Voice is also very distinct from other oystercatchers.