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Haematopus Bachmani

The black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) is a bird found on the shoreline of western North America. It ranges from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska to the coast of the Baja California peninsula.

This coastal-dweller displays dark feathers, a bright, orange-red beak, and moderately long, thin legs. However, it’s eyes are the bird’s most notable feature. Rimmed in red, the eyes match the birds’ bright beaks.

This bird lives mostly on coastal stretches which have some quieter embayments, such as jetty protected areas. It forages in the intertidal zone, feeding on marine invertebrates. In particular, this bird enjoys molluscs such as mussels, limpets and chitons. However, will also eat crabs, isopods and barnacles.

As these birds hunt through the intertidal area, they search for food visually, often so close to the water’s edge they have to fly up to avoid crashing surf.

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