SHOREBIRDS of North America

Most Shorebirds walk along shores probing for food with their thin sensitive bills. Bill length varies considerably so differing species can work the same shore and obtain different food supplies. Shorebirds include sandpipers, godwits, stilts, oystercatchers, plovers, and many more. Shorebirds belong to the Charadriiformes order which also includes the Gulls and Allies.
    Note: the term Shorebirds is used in the Americas; elsewhere "waders" is used. We will reserve "waders" for herons and allies.



Oystercatchers

Order Charadriiformes    Suborder Charadrii    Family Haematopodidae - 1 genus

Oystercatchers have long and thick orange or red bills that they used for smashing or openning mollusks. Inland species eat worms and larvae.


Genus Haematopus


Oystercatcher, Black aka American Black Oystercatcher Haematopus bachmani   Found: North America (west coast)
Photographed by: 1, 3) Dick Daniels - California   2) Dick - California


Oystercatcher, American Haematopus palliatus   Found: North America
Photographed by:   2, 7) Dick Daniels - North Carolina  1, 3, 4, 5, 6) Dick - North Carolina


More Oystercatchers - Cape Fear River, March 25, 2008




All photos on this site are available for general use. Please credit the photographer. Some images have additional constraints such as no commercial use or no modifications. Click the photo credit link for details.    Dick Daniels, webmaster.