Oystercatchers … Oystercatcher Species Photo Gallery
The African Oystercatchers or African Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus moquini) are large, mostly resident (non-migratory) waders found on the rocky coasts and islands of southern Africa.
Its population is estimated to consist of less than 5,000 adults.
Description
The African Black Oystercatchers are large birds, with completely black plumage, red legs and a strong broad red bill.
Males and females look alike.
Juveniles are browner than adults.
With its all-black plumage, the African Black Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight.
The call is a distinctive loud piping, very similar to Common Pied Oystercatcher.
Nesting / Breeding
The nest is a bare scrape on pebbles or shingles.
The female generally lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated by both adults.
Diet / Feeding
They mostly feed on mollusks, such as mussels, and earthworms. They use ther strong beaks to smash or pry open their shelled prey.
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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