The Black Oystercatcher is an all-black, orange-billed oystercatcher of rocky Pacific coastlines. It nests among boulders and pries limpets and mussels from rocks. Its ringing alarm call carries over the pounding Pacific surf. It is entirely restricted to the rocky intertidal zone and is the Pacific Coast counterpart of the Atlantic oystercatcher.
Best time to see a Black Oystercatcher
The best time to see a Black Oystercatcher is January–July, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 15,489 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Black Oystercatcher? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Black Oystercatcher sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Black Oystercatcher? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Black Oystercatcher is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.