The African black oystercatcher, haematopus moquini, is a wading bird (like the great snipe and common greenshank). They measure 16.5 to 17.7 centimeters (42 to 45 centimeters) and weigh anywhere from 17 to 28.2 ounces (482 to 800 grams), with females being both longer and heavier than males. Their plumage is glossy black, their eyes red, and their long bills are orangey-red (in addition to orangey-red eye rings). They have strong, sturdy legs which are pinkish-red in color. Juveniles are distinguishable from adults in that they are browner.
The African black oystercatcher can be found along the southern African coast, from Namibia to the Eastern Cape in South Africa. They will often inhabit sandy and rocky shores. Estuaries and coastal lagoons also make suitable habitats for them. An African black oystercatcher can often be found in pairs and are territorial throughout the year, but during the non-breeding season, they will form groups called ‘clubs’. It is believed that they form these groups to help detect when a predator is nearby. A club will often contain more members at night since the predation risk is higher. They will call to each other while on the shore or in the air, with several individuals calling together sometimes.
The diet of an African black oystercatcher consists of limpets, mussels, whelks and other bivalves and crustaceans. They do their hunting within the intertidal zone (the region between the low tide mark and the high tide mark) of their habitat. Their strong bills are able to cut the muscle that holds the two parts of the shell in which their prey hides together, at which point they will stab their victim. They may also break the shell by slamming it against a rock.
The African black oystercatcher is a monogamous species, meaning that a male and female will mate for life. Females will lay a clutch of 1 to 2 eggs anytime from October to April (although most of the egg-laying is done from December to February). These eggs are laid in a shallow scrape in the sand on an exposed beach or rocky area. The eggs are incubated for 27 to 39 days by both parents, after which time they will hatch. The chicks are especially vulnerable by predators until they fledge (learn to fly) at around 35 to 40 days of age. If the young ones are able to survive long enough, then they can live to be over 18 years old.
The African black oystercatcher is a near threatened species. The greatest threat they face in fact that their breeding season coincides with the height of the summer tourist season. Many of the eggs they lay are trample under tourists’ feet, leading to less individuals being born. Coastal development also poses a threat while introduced mammalian predators threaten the island populations. Hopefully, something can be done to help the African black oystercatcher before it gets any closer to facing extinction. After all, such a unique bird species deserves to live and prosper far into the future.
Works Cited
“African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus Moquini)” 5 January 2012
“African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus Moquini)” 5 January 2012
“African Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus Moquini)” 5 January 2012
“Bird of the Week-Week 5: African Black Oystercatcher” 5 January 2012