American Oystercatcher - Ross Feldner

There’s no mistaking this dramatically colored shorebird with an obvious name that is indeed an expert at dining on shellfish of all kinds. It relies on two methods of opening shells. If it finds a partly opened mussel for instance, the oystercatcher will jab its bill into the opening and snag the meal. The second method requires way more work. It simply hammers repeatedly on the shell to break it open. The American Oystercatcher is exclusively coastal, favoring beaches that offer shellfish and other invertebrates.

Like so many other birds, American Oystercatchers were nearly hunted to extinction in the 19th century for their plumage and eggs. The populations recovered after the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 was passed although some states still consider a species of concern.

This uniquely patterned bird still faces major threats from coastal development, human disturbance and climate change. It is particularly susceptible to the danger of plastic trash as it will often mistake it for food, with fatal results.