Haematopus fuliginosus
Sooty Oystercatcher © 2010 Jon Coleman
Subspecies
H. f. fuliginosus
H. f. opthalmicus
Other Names
Black Oystercatcher, Redbill, Black Redbill.
Identification
The Sooty Oystercatcher is a solid black bird with a red bill and pink legs, usually found on rocky shores.
Plumage
Adult: This is a completely black bird, with a straight, strong long red bill. The legs are coloured pink. The iris of the eye is red. The sexes are similar.
Juvenile: It might appear to be less black. The bill is orange. The legs are grey
Distribution
Found right around Australia, though considered rare in the north particularly in the Gulf of Carpentaria. It is usually found on rocky coasts, off-shore islands, coral isles and single beaches, but will be found on sandy coasts.
Migratory habits
Resident. Most of the time it seems to be sedentary, with small local movements.
Breeding
Usually found nesting on off-shore islands, using a shallow scrape on sandy and shingle shores.
Status
Secure but could become vulnerable due to disturbance and the few concentrations of this species. The population is estimated to be about 4,000 birds.
Confusing Species
Pied Oystercatcher: Similar to the Sooty Oystercatcher but has white in the plumage.
Southern Island Pied Oystercatcher: Similar to the Sooty Oystercatcher but has white in the plumage.
