Pied Oystercatcher
Haematopus longirostris
Heavy-set shorebird with long, thick reddish bill, black and white plumage, and thick pale-pink feet and legs. Usually coastal, but sometimes found on wetter pastures close to the coast.
Identification
The name "oystercatcher" is something of a misnomer for this species, because they seldom eat oysters, which are found mainly on rocky coastlines. Pied oystercatchers frequent sandy coastlines, where they feed mainly on bivalve molluscs, which are prised apart with their specially adapted bill. These adaptations allow the Pied oystercatchers to slip their bills between the ventral edges of these shelled organisms, further allowing them to sever the shells and reach the edible flesh inside.<p>This Australian species is easily recognized by the characteristic 5–8 cm long orange-red beak, slender pink legs and black and white plumage. With the wings extended, a white wing-stripe is also visible. The male and female show little differentiation, except that the males generally sport a shorter, wider beak.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Haematopus longirostris
- Authority
- Vieillot, 1817
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Haematopodidae
- Genus
- Haematopus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The pied oystercatcher is considered federally to be 'secure' and in New South Wales, Australia, is listed as 'endangered'.
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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A tiny kingfisher of lowland and foothill forest interior. Deep, cobalt blue head and wings with eye-catching paler blue patch on the back and pale orange belly. White throat and ear patch, with pale buff spot behind the bill. Flies overhead like a blue, speeding bullet. Devilishly difficult to see. Similar to Azure Kingfisher, but Papuan Dwarf-Kingfisher is smaller, lacks the blue on the sides of the chest and isn’t associated with water. Voice, high-pitched “cheep!” calls.
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