GALLERIES > BIRDS > BLACK OYSTERCATCHER [Haematopus bachmani]
Location: Ballona Creek, CAGPS: 34.0W, -118.4N MAP
Date: April 23, 2008
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Location: Ballona Creek, CAGPS: 34.0W, -118.4N MAP
Date: April 23, 2008
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Location: Ballona Creek, CAGPS: 34.0W, -118.4N MAP
Date: April 23, 2008
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Location: Ballona Creek, CAGPS: 34.0W, -118.4N MAP
Date: April 23, 2008
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Location: Ballona Creek, CAGPS: 34.0W, -118.4N MAP
Date: July 22, 2007
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Location: Ballona Creek, CAGPS: 34.0W, -118.4N MAP
Date: January 7, 2008
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Location: Ballona Creek, CAGPS: 34.0W, -118.4N MAP
Date: January 7, 2008
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Location: Los Coronados Islands, MexicoGPS: 32.4W, -117.2N MAP
Date: March 15, 2008
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SPECIES INFO
The American Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus bachmani, also called Western Black Oystercatcher or simply Black Oystercatcher, is a conspicuous black bird found on the shoreline of western North America. It ranges from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska to the coast of the Baja California peninsula.
The American Black Oystercatcher is the only representative of the oystercatcher family (Haematopodidae) over most of its range, overlapping slightly with the American Oystercatcher (H. palliatus) on the coast of Baja California. Within its range it is most commonly referred to as the Black Oystercatcher, although this name is also used locally for the Blackish Oystercatcher and the African Black Oystercatcher. Its scientific name is derived by John James Audubon from that of his friend John Bachman.
Although the species is not considered threatened, its global population size is estimated between 8,900–11,000 individuals. The Black Oystercatcher is a species of high conservation concern throughout its range (U.S., Canadian, Alaskan, and Northern & Southern Pacific Shorebird Conservation Plans), a keystone indicator species along the north Pacific shoreline, a management indicator species in the Chugach Natioanl Forest, and a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service focal species for priority conservation action.
The American Black Oystercatcher is a large entirely black shorebird, with a long (9 cm) bright red bill and pink legs. It has a bright yellow iris and a red eye-ring. Its plumage varies slightly from north to south, being darker further north.
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