American Black Oystercatcher vs Eurasian Oystercatcher

Haematopus bachmani compared with Haematopus ostralegus

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute American Black Oystercatcher Eurasian Oystercatcher
Scientific Name Haematopus bachmani Haematopus ostralegus
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Haematopodidae Haematopodidae
Conservation Status Not Evaluated Near Threatened
Length
Wingspan 50.1 cm (19.7 in)
Weight 600.25 g (21.17 oz) 600.0 g (21.16 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-4 2-5
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

American Black Oystercatcher only

None

Eurasian Oystercatcher only

Conservation Status

Not Evaluated

American Black Oystercatcher

Near Threatened

Eurasian Oystercatcher

About These Birds

American Black Oystercatcher

American Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) is a large 42–47 cm all-dark oystercatcher of the Pacific coast of North America. Sooty black plumage; bright orange-red bill; pale pinkish legs; yellow eye with orange ring. Inhabits rocky coasts and offshore islands from Alaska south to Baja California. Feeds on mussels, limpets, and barnacles.

Eurasian Oystercatcher

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) is a large 40–48 cm, familiar black and white shorebird of Eurasia and Africa. Black upperparts and breast; white underparts; long orange-red bill; pink legs. Inhabits rocky and sandy coasts, tidal mudflats, and inland rivers. Migratory; winters in Africa and Southern Europe.

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