American Black Oystercatcher vs Variable Oystercatcher
Haematopus bachmani compared with Haematopus unicolor
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | American Black Oystercatcher | Variable Oystercatcher |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Haematopus bachmani | Haematopus unicolor |
| Order | Charadriiformes | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae | Haematopodidae |
| Conservation Status | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | — | 54.1 cm (21.3 in) |
| Weight | 600.25 g (21.17 oz) | 683.1666666666666 g (24.10 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 1-4 | 2-3 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
American Black Oystercatcher
Variable 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.
Variable Oystercatcher
Variable Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor) is a large 46–49 cm oystercatcher endemic to New Zealand's coastline. Plumage ranges from all-black to pied (black and white) within the same population. Orange-red bill; pink legs. Inhabits rocky and sandy shores around both main islands and offshore islands. Feeds on bivalves, worms, and crustaceans.