Common Name: Sooty Oystercatcher

Distribution: The Sooty Oystercatcher ranges along the coastlines of mainland Australian and Tasmania.

Ecological Notes: The Sooty Oystercatcher is strictly coastal, usually within 50 m of the ocean. It’s habitat preference is for rocky shores, but will be observed on coral reefs or sandy beaches near mudflats. The species feeds on molluscs, crustaceans, marine worms, starfish and sea urchins, and small fish.

Additional Notes: The Sooty Oystercatcher uses its long bill to stab at prey or to lever, prise or hammer open food items. It primarily forages in the intertidal zone, for the two hours either side of low tide. It breeds on offshore islands and isolated rocky headlands.

References: Atlas of Living Australia at Sooty Oystercatcher Accessed 14 August 2023.
Birds in Backyards at https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Haematopus-fuliginosus Accessed 24 July 2023.