Newsletter / Blog
2012-09-02 Aves bird of the week – African Black Oystercatcher – Haematopus moquini
African
Black Oystercatcher
The African Black Oystercatcher - Haematopus moquini – is a near-endemic and a resident breeder on
the rocky coasts and islands of Southern Africa.
They occur along the coast of southern Angola,
Namibia and much of South Africa, largely excluding coastal KwaZulu-Natal.
Description
It is a large black shorebird. Adults have jet black plumage, pinkish-red sturdy legs and a long,
dagger-like orange-red bill. The eye and eye ring are red. There is sexual
dimorphism, females being larger and heavier with longer bills. Juveniles are
browner with a dark tipped bill.
Call
Its call is a
distinctive loud piping.
Food
In rocky areas
the primary food is mussels and limpets, but this coastal bird also feeds on whelks
and crustaceans.
Breeding
The nest is a
bare scrape on pebbles or shingles. The breeding season is from October to
April, peaking between December and February. The female generally lays 1to 2
eggs, which are incubated by both adults. The eggs hatch after 27 to 39 days of
incubation, and the young fledge between 35 to 40 days of age.
Conservation Status – Near-threatened
Near-threatened,
due to its small population size, low reproductive rate and susceptibility to
human disturbance, particularly as the breeding season coincides with the
height of the summer tourist season. Eggs and chicks are crushed by people or
off-road vehicles, or eaten by domestic dogs.
Birdwatching
Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures
to create a tour for you or book on one of the following Aves Birding Tour/Safaris/Adventures scheduled tours to see these
striking birds: -
Aves Eastern Cape Birding
Tour / Safari /Adventure.
Aves Western Cape Birding
Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves West Coast
Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.
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