American Oystercatcher
Haematopus palliatus
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About
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) is a large 40–48 cm boldly patterned shorebird of the Americas. Black head and upper breast; brown back; white underparts; orange-red bill; pale pink legs. Inhabits sandy beaches, estuaries, and mudflats along both coasts of North and South America. Feeds on oysters, mussels, and marine invertebrates.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 49.4 cm | 19.4 in |
| Weight | 590.6666666666666 g | 20.84 oz |
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 24-29 days. Fledging: 35-45 days.
Clutch Size
1-6
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes (Shorebirds & Gulls) |
| Family | Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers) |
| Genus | Haematopus |
| Species | Haematopus palliatus |
Distribution
American Oystercatcher has been recorded in 4 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the American Oystercatcher endangered?
How does the American Oystercatcher nest?
How big is the American Oystercatcher?
What order and family does the American Oystercatcher belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Haematopodidae family