This large shorebird is found strictly in coastal environments, where it may be seen alone or in small groups by summer beach goers. As its name implies, it specializes in preying upon oysters and other mollusks. Unlike many shorebird species, The American Oystercatcher is a flashy bird. Its size, striking plumage, and large red bill make it particularly recognizable, especially compared to the subtle, well-camouflaged plumages of most shorebirds. 

On the Atlantic coast, the American Oystercatcher generally breeds from Florida to Massachusetts. It is found year-round at various points around the Gulf Coast and Caribbean. In South America, it occurs as far south as Argentina on the Atlantic Coast, and Chile on the Pacific. In Mexico and Central America, it is found locally on both coasts, breeding as far north as Baja California.. Only about 12 percent of the species' global population occurs within the United States. Up to one third of the U.S. population is thought to winter in South Carolina alone.

 

A legend for the range map to the right can be found here.

In the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, egg collecting, hunting, and other human intrusions drove this shy yet conspicuous species to the brink of extirpation in North American. Passage of 1918's Migratory Bird Treaty Act afforded the birds a certain degree of protection, but by this time, its range had contracted significantly. Official protection, coupled with notable conservation efforts such as the establishment of coastal wildlife refuges, fostered a slow return to its former range.

 

By the 1950s, the American Oystercatcher had returned to Maryland and New Jersey. By the early 1970s, it had returned to New York, and was firmly established in Massachusetts by decade's end. More recently, it has bred as far north as Maine. The historic northern extent of the species' breeding range remains unclear. In 1835, John James Audubon recorded breeding as far north as Labrador, but such reports are unsubstantiated. How much further the American Oystercatcher's range will expand in the northeast remains to be seen.

 

While both the range and number of the American Oystercatchers are increasing somewhat, Audubon's WatchList in 2002 classified the species as "Yellow" (of national conservation concern). The species' relatively low population, coupled with formidable range-wide threats to its habitat, makes it particularly susceptible to loss. At fewer than 9,000 birds, the North American population is well below historic levels.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and more recently, the establishment of National Wildlife Refuges and Audubon Important Bird Areas within key portions of the birds' range have greatly benefited American Oystercatchers. Audubon Coastal Island Sanctuary systems provide thousands of acres of safe habitat, particularly in North Carolina and along the Texas Gulf Coast. Audubon's Coastal Bird Conservation Program is working with partners throughout its Gulf and Atlantic range to survey and protect this species during the breeding season. This strictly coastal species is greatly impacted by marine habitat loss, so further protection of remaining pristine coastal habitat is essential.

 

Despite its expanding range, the American Oystercatcher is currently listed as a Species of Special Concern in many coastal states. Due to its small North American population and concentrated winter range, the American Oystercatcher is particularly vulnerable to catastrophe; one hurricane or oil spill could prove devastating. Oystercatchers are shy birds, so human encroachment—particularly on the breeding grounds—is another serious threat. The species has benefited from at least one human activity—the creation of dredge spoil islands in many coastal areas. Oystercatchers find such altered areas ideal for nesting, and dredging has contributed to the American Oystercatcher's return to its former breeding range.

Stay clear of nesting American Oystercatchers. These birds are quite shy, and highly susceptible to human disturbance. Bird watchers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts should avoid disturbing this at-risk species.

 

For actions you can take, including Audubon activities, please visit our resources page.

Visit our resources page for more information about this species.

Bent, A. C. Life Histories of North American Shorebirds. U.S. National Museum Bulletin 146. 1929.

Kaufman, Kenn. 1996. Lives of North American Birds. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York.

Nol, E. and R. C. Humphrey. 1994. American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus). In The Birds of North America, No. 82 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

 

Richards, Alan. Shorebirds: A Complete Guide to Their Behavior and Migration. Gallery Books, New York. 1988.

 

Sanders, F., and Murphy, T. 2004. American Oystercatcher. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.