Species Data
Common Name
American oystercatcher
Scientific Name
Haematopus palliatus
Spanish Name
Ostrero común americano
Conservation Status
Least concern
Endemic/Native/Introduced
Native
Size
up to 40cm tall
Average Lifespan
10 years
Predators
Vulnerable to predation by feral cats and dogs
Food
Oysters, mussels, clams and limpets, as well as snails and crabs
Animal Class
Aves
Species Overview
The American oystercatcher is a shorebird that is found all around South America’s coastline. The American oystercatcher occupies a variety of coastal habitats, including rocky and sandy beaches, mudflats, salt ponds, salt marsh islands, estuaries and river mouths. It typically feeds on intertidal mudflats and sandbars, especially where oysters are abundant, and nests in areas with little vegetation. In Galapagos, it is found on sandy beaches and on lava rock.
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