African Oystercatcher

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.