Banded Bird - Black Oystercatcher

British Columbia, Canada

The black oystercatcher ( Haematopus bachmani ) moves slowly and methodically among wave splashed rocks along the ocean, stabbing limpets and mussels open or prying them off rocks. They may eat other shellfish including whelks, urchins and crabs. They have a bright orange bill, glaring yellow eyes with a contrasting orange eyering.