Seeing these birds from afar, you might first mistake them to be pigeons. From a distance, the black oystercatcher’s uniformly dark plumage might be mistaken for that of a pigeon, especially in low light or when the bird is silhouetted against a rocky background. Both birds are relatively similar in body shape, with compact forms and short necks, which can make them appear alike at a glance.
But as you draw closer, the distinct features of the black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) come into view. With its glossy black plumage, striking orange-red bill and eye area, this coastal bird quickly sets itself apart. Found along the rocky Pacific shores, black oystercatchers are a presence in the coastal ecosystems near Santa Cruz.
Black oystercatchers in the Santa Cruz area
Santa Cruz’s rugged coastline, with its rocky outcrops and tide pools, is a haven for black oystercatchers. These birds thrive in this environment, perching on jagged rocks or darting through intertidal zones to forage. Their diet mainly consists of marine invertebrates, such as mussels and limpets, which they pry open with their powerful bills.
Protected areas like Natural Bridges State Beach and Wilder Ranch State Park provide critical habitats for black oystercatchers. These areas offer nesting sites safely above the high-tide line, often in shallow depressions amid gravel or rock.
The bluffs at Wilder Ranch State Park are one place where birders can see these birds with their bright orange beaks and eyes. Old Cove Landing Trail is a loop trail that takes hikers from the parking lot down to the ocean. The trails winds its way along the cliffs that front the Pacific Ocean. Black cormorants can be seen perched on the crevices of the cliffs. Western gulls frequently pass by overhead and can be seen resting on the bluffs.
Quick facts about black oystercatchers
- Scientific name: Haematopus bachmani
- Appearance: Glossy black feathers, bright orange-red bill, yellow eyes with red eye rings, and pale pink legs.
- Size: About 15-17 inches (38-44 cm) in length with a wingspan of 28 inches (71 cm).
- Habitat: Rocky coastal shorelines, particularly in the intertidal zone along the Pacific coast of North America.
- Range: From Alaska to Baja California; commonly seen in areas like Santa Cruz and other parts of the West Coast.
- Diet: Primarily marine invertebrates such as mussels, limpets, and barnacles.
- Nesting: Nests are simple scrapes in rocky or gravelly areas, often above the high-tide line.
- Vocalization: Loud, high-pitched calls often used to communicate with their mates or signal territory.
- Lifespan: Typically 10-15 years in the wild, with some living up to 20 years.
- Population: Estimated at 10,000-12,000 individuals; their numbers are stable but vulnerable to habitat loss.
- Conservation status: Listed as a species of “least concern,” though they are considered an important indicator species for rocky intertidal ecosystems.
