The American Oystercatcher
Species Spotlight
The rocky marine coasts of Anguilla and its offshore cays are the best places to see the American Oystercatcher. Their sharp call is generally the first hint that they are present. Then you catch sight of that stunning bill!
Oystercatchers belong to the Family Haematopodidae and on this side of the world, they are either Black (Haematopus bachmani) or American (Haematopus palliatus). Only the American Oystercatcher is seen in Anguilla, and it is a breeding resident.
A large red-orange bill, black head, white underparts, and dark brown wings distinguish it from any other shorebirds seen here. Sturdy light pink legs top off this unique bird’s characteristics.
Even in flight, these birds display stunning plumage.
The bill of the American Oystercatcher is particularly suited for consuming bivalve mollusks (i.e. clams, oysters, etc.), and on Anguilla Whelks and Longbacks are a favorite. They spend a large part of their day patrolling the rocks for mollusks, some of which are attached to the rocks. Removing the animal from the shell is a process worth watching! (Check out our YouTube video below.)
Oystercatchers are most active when Anguilla experiences what is known as “Ground Seas.” These periods of high wave activity make prey readily accessible.
Oystercatcher nesting in the Caribbean begins in May, although I have seen courtship displays in the Fall. This suggests that some birds may prefer the more common winter nesting period.
Three buffy gray eggs with brown speckles are laid either in sand or substrate, above the water level. Although both parents incubate the eggs over 25 to 27 days, the female takes on the lion’s share of the work.
Eggs generally hatch within 24 hours of each other, and the downy chicks are precocial - meaning they can feed themselves from birth. Both parents are highly protective and use alarm calls to force the chicks into hiding when predators are nearby. Parents also supplement chick foraging by providing food for up to 60 days.
Sustained flight occurs generally 35 days after hatching, and they remain as a family group for as long as 25 weeks.
Juvenile birds lack the orange eye ring and have darker bills.
Like most shorebird species, climate change and coastal development are major threats to the American Oystercatcher’s existence.
Have you seen an American Oystercatcher on Anguilla? Please share your story with us!
Click on our YouTube link below to enjoy a few special moments with Anguilla’s American Oystercatchers.
Love their colours. I never knew the name of this bird. Thank you for sharing.