American Oystercatcher

 

The American Oystercatcher is a large, thickset shorebird with a long, stout bill, a large head, robust neck, and long, thick legs.

American Oystercatchers look black-and-white from a distance, with a bright orange-red bill. At closer range, the back and wings are brown, with a black head and breast, white underparts, yellow eye, and red eyering.

In flight, look for a white wingbar and white tail base.

American Oystercatchers probe sandy and stony areas for clams, oysters, and other mollusks, which they open by cutting or smashing.

Habitat is barrier islands and beaches, saltmarshes, and shellfish reefs.
Cornell All About Birds