American oystercatcher
Haematopus palliatus
The American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), occasionally called the American pied oystercatcher, is a member of family Haematopodidae.
About the American oystercatcher
The American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), occasionally called the American pied oystercatcher, is a member of family Haematopodidae. Originally called the "sea pie", it was renamed in 1731 when naturalist Mark Catesby claimed that he had observed the bird eating oysters. The current population of American oystercatchers is estimated to be 50,000 – 99,999 mature individuals. There are estimated to be 1,500 breeding pairs along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the US. The bird is marked by its black and white body and a long, thick orange beak.
Fun Facts About American oystercatcher
- There are estimated to be 1,500 breeding pairs along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the US.
- The current population of American oystercatchers is estimated to be 50,000 – 99,999 mature individuals.
- Originally called the "sea pie", it was renamed in 1731 when naturalist Mark Catesby claimed that he had observed the bird eating oysters.
Conservation Status
The American oystercatcher is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.
Taxonomy & Classification
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae |
| Genus | Haematopus |
| Species | Haematopus palliatus |
Range & Habitat
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