Sooty Oystercatcher, on a rock platform.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers © K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers
Sooty Oystercatcher.
Photo: Purnell Collection © Australian Museum
Sooty Oystercatcher, nest.
Photo: SG Lane Collection © Australian Museum
Distribution map of Haematopus fuliginosus
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Sooty Oystercatcher
Scientific name: Haematopus fuliginosus
Family: Haematopodidae
Order: Charadriiformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Water birds
- Shore birds and waders
What does it look like?
Description
The Sooty Oystercatcher is a striking black shorebird with a long red bill, red eye and pink legs. Young birds are duller and browner. It is often seen with the similar Pied Oystercatcher and is only found in coastal areas.
Similar species
The Sooty Oystercatcher is the only all-black shorebird in Australia and is easily distinguished from the similar sized and shaped Pied Oystercatcher, H. longirostris, which is black and white.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Sooty Oystercatcher is endemic to Australia and is widespread in coastal eastern, southern and western Australia.
Habitat
The Sooty Oystercatcher is strictly coastal, usually within 50 m of the ocean. It prefers rocky shores, but will be seen on coral reefs or sandy beaches near mudflats. It breeds on offshore islands and isolated rocky headlands.
Seasonal movements
Mostly resident and territorial, moving to islands to breed. In Tasmania, overwinters in non-breeding areas.
What does it do?
Feeding
The Sooty Oystercatcher feeds on molluscs, crabs and other crustaceans, marine worms, starfish and sea urchins, and small fish. It uses its long bill to stab at prey or to lever, prise or hammer open food items. It drinks seawater.
Breeding
The Sooty Oystercatcher breeds in colonies, with both members of a breeding pair incubating eggs and caring for the young. They nest in a scrape on the ground among pebbles or shells on rocky shores or cliffs.
References
Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds.), 1990. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol. 1. Part B. Oxford University Press: Melbourne.
Simpson, K and Day, N. 1999. Field guide to the birds of Australia, 6th Edition. Penguin Books, Australia.