 Adult Oystercatcher. Photo Credit: Phil Wilkinson |
Natural History The American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) is a large shorebird found in coastal habitats that has a striking orange bill specialized for prying open bivalves (oysters, mussels and clams). Little is known about migratory behavior except that oystercatchers gather in large flocks in southern states during winter. On the Atlantic coast of the United States, breeding occurs from Massachusetts to Florida but can be seen infrequently as far north as Nova Scotia. Oystercatchers nest on beachfronts, shell mounds, and marsh or spoil islands. They mate for life and raise only one brood per season. In South Carolina, nesting begins early April and ends in late June. Pairs are very defensive during the nesting season. Territorial displays, such as a breeding pair running side-by-side while lowering their heads and calling loudly, are frequently seen near nesting sites. The nest is a shallow depression on a sandy or shelly beach with little or low vegetation. Clutch size is 2 - 4 and eggs are gray with dark spotting. Chicks are dependent on adults for food for at least two months. Oystercatchers are able to fly at approximately 35 days. They are believed to begin breeding at 3 - 4 years. |
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