Sooty oystercatcher

The sooty oystercatcher is a striking wading bird native to Australia's coastline. You can frequently spot them along rocky shores, although they are also comfortable in estuarine environments. What sets these birds apart is their sleek, all-black plumage paired with bright red eyes, eye rings, and bills, as well as their pink legs. This distinctive appearance was first documented by John Gould in 1845.

There are two subspecies of the sooty oystercatcher. The southern subspecies is slightly larger and more robust compared to its northern counterpart. These birds measure between 42 to 52 cm in length and can weigh up to 980 grams, making them the heaviest among oystercatchers. Interestingly, there is sexual dimorphism in bill shape—males have shorter, thicker bills, while females possess longer, thinner ones. Juveniles look different; their bills, eyes, and legs only turn red by their second year.

With an estimated population of around 11,500 individuals, the sooty oystercatcher is quite common in regions like Tasmania and the Bass Strait. However, their numbers are decreasing in some states where they are classified as rare, near-threatened, or even endangered. These birds forage in the intertidal zone, and their diet varies between males and females.

During breeding season, the sooty oystercatcher typically lays a clutch of two to three eggs. These oval-shaped eggs, which are buff to beige with dark brown and lavender markings, are usually found in rock crevices or directly on the ground.