Pied Oystercatcher
Haematopus longirostris
Aves › Charadriiformes › Haematopodidae › Haematopus
Conservation status: least_concern
The pied oystercatcher is a species of oystercatcher. It is a wading bird native to Australia and commonly found on its coastline. The similar South Island pied oystercatcher occurs in New Zealand.
How To Identify
A medium-to-large seabird characterized by crisp black and white patterning and most notably, its long, brilliant orange bill which measures nearly the length of its head.
Habitat
It typically inhabits rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, estuaries, and tidal mudflats in temperate and subtropical regions.
Behaviour
They are highly territorial and often seen in pairs or small groups, using loud piping calls to defend their feeding grounds and communicate with mates.
Native Range
The Pied Oystercatcher is native to Australia.
Did You Know?
Its name is misleading because it seldom eats oysters.
Create a free account to log your sightings of the Pied Oystercatcher, see where it has been recorded near you and build your Wild List.
Privacy · Terms · Impressum · Credits · About the beta