Black Oystercatcher

Black Oystercatcher on the Oregon coast. Photo Credit: Keith Kohl

Overview

  • Species Common Name Black Oystercatcher
  • Species Scientific Name Haematopus bachmani
  • Federal Listing Status Species Of Concern
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Black Oystercatchers inhabit rocky coastlines and gravel or sand beaches. They require sites with minimal human disturbance, few ground predators, and sufficient intertidal invertebrate prey.

Limiting factors

Black Oystercatchers nest in small numbers in Oregon. Availability of suitable habitat that remains relatively disturbance-free during the nesting period may be a primary limiting factor. Successful nesting in Oregon may be restricted to islands, where ground predators, egg depredation, and disturbance are limited or absent. This coastal-dependent species is also highly susceptible to oil spills.

Conservation actions

Limit human disturbance in nesting and foraging areas. Take precautions to protect against oil spills.

Key reference or plan

Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) Conservation Action Plan