BirdUp · Species
Pied Oystercatcher
Haematopus longirostrisVieillot, 1817
Updated
- Order
- CHARADRIIFORMES
- Family
- Haematopodidae
- Genus
- Haematopus
At a glance
The Pied Oystercatcher is a large bird, about 42–50 cm long, listed as Least Concern and native to Australia. It can be seen year-round.
- Size
- 42–50 cm
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Origin
- Native
- Best seen
- Year-round
- Commonness
- Very common
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does a Pied Oystercatcher look like?
The Pied Oystercatcher is a large bird, about 42–50 cm long and weighing 410–980 g, identified by its solid black head, chest, and all upperparts; clean white underparts from breast to tail; and bulky, thick-necked, and robust body shape.
The pied oystercatcher is a species of oystercatcher. It is a wading bird native to Australia and commonly found on its coastline. The similar South Island pied oystercatcher occurs in New Zealand.
Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 01
Solid black head, chest, and all upperparts
Creates a striking black 'hood and cape' appearance.
- 02
Clean white underparts from breast to tail
Provides a stark bicoloured contrast with the black upperparts.
- 03
Bulky, thick-necked, and robust body shape
Noticeably heavy-set and powerful in build.
03 · When
When to look
When can you see a Pied Oystercatcher?
The Pied Oystercatcher is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
04 · Voice
What it sounds like
Call
Rod Lowther · Port Fairy VIC 3284, Australia
Call
jstarspots · Port Sorell, Port Sorell, TAS, AU
Call
jstarspots · Port Sorell, Port Sorell, TAS, AU
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does a Pied Oystercatcher eat?
The Pied Oystercatcher feeds on intertidal invertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or flocks or alone.
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