American oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) on Cat Island in
Mobile County, Alabama OTHER NAMES: Brown-backed Oystercatcher.
DESCRIPTION: American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) is a
relatively large (16-17 in.), boldly marked shorebird with a
black head, dark brown or black back, and white breast, flanks,
and belly. The bill is laterally compressed, bright red to
orange with a yellow tip. The eye is distinct with a yellow iris
and red eye ring, and legs are pale pink. Juvenile
oystercatchers are browner than adults, with a dark iris, dull
grayish legs, and dark tipped pinkish brown bill. An
oystercatcher’s call is a loud kleep; alarm call is a ringing
wip given with increasing frequency as danger nears nest or
young. There are five races of American oystercatcher
recognized, and two, H. p. palliatus and H. p. frazeri, are
found in North America. Only the H. p. palliatus occurs in
Alabama. DISTRIBUTION: Haematopus palliatus palliatus breeds
along the Atlantic Coast from Massachusetts south to Indian