American Oystercatcher
Haematopus palliatus · Also known as: oystercatcher
Big, black-and-white shorebird with a carrot-orange bill, often on inlet shell bars and Assateague beaches.
Quick facts
| Group | Shorebird |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★★☆ |
| Habitats | Ocean beach, Inlet, Coastal bays, Assateague National Seashore, Assateague State Park |
| Seasons (this coast) | year-round, breeding |
How to recognize them
- Dark brown/black head and back, white belly, bright orange-red bill, pink legs.
- Loud, piercing peep calls carry over wind and surf.
Biology notes
- Specializes on bivalves and other shellfish; uses the heavy bill to pry or hammer shells.
- Nests in scrapes on beaches, dunes, and dredge spoil—sensitive to disturbance.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Ocean City Inlet jetties, rock, and flanking sand/shell bars.
- Assateague ocean beach and bayside shell flats.
- Coastal bay shorelines with oyster and clam habitat.
When to look
- Present much of the year; nesting season in late spring–summer is when birds are most territorial on beaches.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Give nesting pairs a wide berth—if adults call and fly at you, you are too close.
- Scope inlet bars from the OC side without climbing into roost sites.
