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A photo of a American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)
American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

The American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), occasionally called the American pied oystercatcher, is a member of family Haematopodidae. Originally called the "sea pie", it was renamed in 1731 when naturalist Mark Catesby observed the bird eating oysters. The current population of American oystercatchers is estimated to be 43,000. There are estimated to be 1,500 breeding pairs along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the US. The bird is marked by its black and white body and a long, thick orange beak. 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 irises are yellow and the eyes have orange orbital rings. The legs are pink. Adults are between 42–52 cm (17–20 in) in length.
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American Oystercatchers on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A photo of a American Oystercatcher photographed in Long Beach United States
Profile picture for Mi-yeon Hwang
Mi-yeon Hwang
Friday 26 May 2023 - 6:23pm
United States
A map showing the sighting location
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Rebecca Rothstein
Friday 26 May 2023 - 9:49am
United States
A photo of a American Oystercatcher photographed in  Mexico
🐦
maria barron
Wednesday 24 May 2023 - 10:00am
Mexico
A photo of a American Oystercatcher photographed in Playa El Raspon Peru
Profile picture for Xristina K
Xristina K
Sunday 21 May 2023 - 6:38pm
Peru
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