Bird Shorts: American Oystercatcher
This aptly named, large shorebird can be found year-round in the southeast, however is not as abundant as many of its counterparts. While the State of the Birds “watch list” considers population levels to be concerning as of 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers them to be of “least concern”. However contradictory these assessment may be, the fact that conversations are being had regarding the conservation of these birds is relieving. I mean, look at those beauties!
As its name implies, the American Oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus, walks along oyster beds at low tide looking for partially open oysters and, upon spotting one, stabs its bright reddish/orange bill into the bivalve, severing the adductor muscle and rendering it helpless as to freely enjoy the inner contents.
They also use a probing method in the mud, searching for submerged mussels as well as a hammering method, breaking of single mussels from larger clusters before taking them to higher ground. There they will hammer away at the closed shell until breaking through.
As for the “stabbing” method, mentioned first, those oystercatchers who are not quick-to-the-draw may not pass along their beloved genes. That’s right, oysters can actually take down their avian aggressors if they just close down on the bird’s bill with enough force as to trap the predator. If it persists long enough for the incoming tide to reach them, this counter-attack can lead to death by drowning for the American Oystercatcher.
Not surprisingly, a major threat to the American Oystercatcher is us. As their preferred nesting habitat is along beaches and dunes, human disturbance often minimizes habitat availability.
They don’t build the types of nests we might expect a songbird to build among the branches of the dogwood tree in our front yard. Instead, they just scrape away a small bit sand making a depression and then add some shells or dead marsh grass (wrack) around it. Therefore, they are easy to overlook, especially if we don’t know what to look for.
If oystercatcher parents are disturbed to the point of leaving their nest, they are not able to incubate their eggs or care for and protect their young. DNR personnel attempt to mark known nesting areas, but its always a good idea to keep an eye out. Here is a quick google images search that will provide you with the ability to spot a nest next time you are on the beach.
*Much of this information came from allaboutbirds.org and abcbirds.org
