Tag Archives: American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher Adult and Chick

American Oystercatcher Adult and Chick

American Oystercatcher Adult and Chick

American Oystercatcher chicks depend on adults for food for at least 60 days after hatching. Chicks are typically brought food by adults, but may also forage on their own as early as 2–3 weeks after hatching. Adults will excise shellfish from shells, then deliver soft parts to young chicks; older chicks (3+ wk) are often brought unopened shellfish

American Oystercatcher in Flight

American Oystercatcher in Flight

American Oystercatcher in Flight

American Oystercatcher in Flight

True to its name, the American Oystercatcher is specialized in feeding on bivalves (oysters, clams, and mussels) and uses its brightly colored bill to get at them. These conspicuous birds tend to roost on beaches, dunes, or marsh islands near their foraging sites, and rarely venture far inland. The picture of this lovely American Oystercatcher in flight was taken at Nickerson Beach on Long Island.

To hear the call of the American Oystercatcher, click the arrow below

Call of the AmericanOystercatcher