American Oystercatcher
American Oystercatcher
The American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), occasionally called the American pied oystercatcher, is a member of family Haematopodidae.
The American oystercatcher has distinctive black and white plumage and a long, bright orange beak. The head and breast are black and the back, wings and tail greyish-black. The underparts are white, as are feathers on the inner part of the wing which become visible during flight.
The American oystercatcher is found on the Atlantic coast of North America from New England to northern Florida, where it is also found on the Gulf coast, and south to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. It is found also in the Pacific coast of California, Mexico, Central America, Peru, and Chile. In the 19th century they became locally extinct in the northeast of the United States due to market hunting and egg collecting. After receiving protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, their range extended northward to re-occupy historical habitat in New England.
Photo Gallery
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
I think they’re one of the prettiest shore birds there is. Lovely photos of them, too!
I agree with you Linda, they have more color. Thank you. š
They are so beautiful with their eyes and beak in red.
Thank you very much Ellada. š
They are just like our oyster catchers. Nice pictures.
Thank you Tom! š
I saw three of them at the beach today, so beautiful. They were flying from East to West along the water. I love how close to the water they fly! š
Wow! That’s great Miranda! Thank you! š
These are excellent photos, I especially like the one at the bottom where he or she is looking at the camera. Amazing shots! š š
Thanks so much Miranda. š