Bird Guide
Guide to North American Birds
Explore more than 800 North American bird species, learn about their lives and habitats, and how climate change is impacting their ability to survive.
2 birds
! Priority Bird
American Oystercatcher
Haematopus palliatus
Oystercatchers
At a Glance
A very large, unmistakable shorebird of Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches. Solitary or in family groups in summer, American Oystercatchers may gather in large flocks in winter.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Saltwater Wetlands
! Priority Bird
Black Oystercatcher
Haematopus bachmani
Oystercatchers
At a Glance
Where the Pacific Ocean breaks against rocky shorelines, pairs of these big black birds stalk about on the rocks and nearby flats. If disturbed, they take flight with loud, ringing whistles, easily heard above the sound of the waves. Their range stretches from Alaska to Baja, but Black Oystercatchers are scarce along the coast of southern California, where the shoreline is mostly sandy, not rocky.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines