Sooty Oystercatcher
NameSooty Oystercatcher
Common NameSooty Oystercatcher
Scientific NameHaematopus fuliginosus
FamilyHaematopodidae
Wingspan (cm)78
Length (cm)46
Weight (g)690
Plumage DetailsAdults are entirely sooty black over their entire body. They have bright orange-red bills, orange eyes with a narrow orange orbital ring, and pinkish-red legs and feet.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include loud, piping, and whistling calls, often given in flight or when alarmed. They also produce a distinctive 'kleep-kleep' call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatscoastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to Australia, found along its entire coastline, including Tasmania, preferring rocky shores and intertidal zones.
Identifying Featuresall-black plumage, long, bright orange-red bill, orange eyes, pink legs, coastal habitat
Description
The Sooty Oystercatcher is a striking, medium-sized shorebird characterized by its entirely black plumage. It possesses a long, bright orange-red bill, vibrant orange eyes, and pinkish-red legs, making it highly distinctive along its coastal habitats where it forages for marine invertebrates.
