Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a African Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini)
African Oystercatcher

African Oystercatcher

Haematopus moquini

The African oystercatcher, known scientifically as Haematopus moquini, is a striking wader with an all-black plumage. It is distinguished by its vibrant red legs and a robust, broad red bill. Both sexes appear similar, though females are slightly larger and possess marginally longer beaks than their male counterparts. The juveniles, in contrast, are cloaked in a softer grey and only develop the iconic red legs and bill upon fledging.

Identification Tips

When identifying the African oystercatcher, look for its entirely black plumage, which sets it apart from other species. The red legs and bill are also key identifiers. Its loud, piping call is reminiscent of the Eurasian oystercatcher, but the latter's black-and-white plumage and migratory nature make it an unlikely mix-up in southern Africa.

Habitat

This bird is a resident of the mainland coasts and offshore islands of southern Africa. It is particularly fond of rocky shores, which provide ample feeding opportunities.

Distribution

The African oystercatcher is native to southern Africa, with its breeding range stretching from Lüderitz in Namibia to Mazeppa Bay in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Occasionally, it may appear as a vagrant in Angola and Mozambique.

Behaviour

African oystercatchers are typically sedentary, rarely venturing far from their established territories, which encompass both nesting sites and feeding grounds.

Song & Calls

The call of the African oystercatcher is a distinctive and loud piping, akin to that of its Eurasian cousin.

Breeding

Breeding takes place between November and April. The nest is a simple scrape on pebbles, sand, or shingle, often lined with shells on rock ledges to secure the eggs. Both parents share the duty of incubating the eggs, which range in number from one to three, with two being most common. The incubation period can vary from 27 to 39 days, and the chicks typically fledge after about 38 days.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the African oystercatcher is primarily composed of molluscs, such as mussels and limpets. They are also known to consume polychaetes, insects, and occasionally fish. Their feeding technique involves prying open mussels and dislodging limpets from rocks, as well as foraging in the sand for other prey.

Conservation status

As of the latest assessment in December 2017, the African oystercatcher is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. The population trend is positive, thanks in part to increased local conservation efforts. In South Africa, the species has been downlisted to Least Concern, and ongoing research by the South African Ringing Scheme helps maintain current conservation assessments.

African Oystercatcher Sounds


Recorded by: © 
App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

African Oystercatchers on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Oystercatchers

A photo of a Blackish Oystercatcher (Haematopus ater)

Blackish Oystercatcher

Haematopus ater
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
Sacha0508
Simply fantastic
I love this app, it puts so much fun into recording the birds I’ve seen and heard while I’m out and about. The interface is user-friendly and suitable for all ages. It’s great to collect badges and to review my “lists”.
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
JCBirding
Just what birding needs
We need more fun in birding, for years it has had a reputation for being up tight and stuffy and only perused by retirees and anoraks. Birda helps change that perception and firmly brings birding into the 21st century! Fun, interactive while still contributing to science and conservation. If you aren’t on it, why not??
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😄
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.