Black Oystercatcher
Cliff Oystercatcher ( Haematopus bachmani )
The Cliff Oystercatcher ( Haematopus bachmani ) is a species of the family of oystercatchers ( Haematopodidae ). The scientific species name goes on John Bachman, a friend of the describer, back.
Description
The Cliff oystercatcher is a large, black-colored shorebird. It reaches a body length of about 44 centimeters. The wingspan is 80 inches. The red beak is about 9 inches long. The legs are pink. The iris is bright yellow and surrounded by a red eye ring. The plumage color varies from region to region. The further north you go the darker the color.
Nutrition
The Cliff oystercatcher mainly feeds on invertebrates, clams, sea snails and crabs, which he studied in the intertidal zone. It uses its powerful beak to the loot from their tanks to get.
Distribution and habitat
The Cliff oystercatchers inhabited the North American coastal areas of the Aleutian Islands in the north to Baja California in the south. The distribution überschneitet with that of the Brown coat oyster fisherman. He never far away from the coast. Are preferred with quiet coves rocky, cliff -rich coasts.
Reproduction
The Cliff Oystercatcher is gifted territorial during the breeding season. The cup-shaped nests are built near the coast. The nest is lined with small stones and shells. The nest consists of 2-3 eggs. The eggs can even withstand short periods of time under water. The clutch is incubated approximately 26 to 28 days. The young birds are able to leave the nest after only one day. After 40 days the young birds fledge, but generally remain until the next breeding season in the area of parents.
Endangering
Although the total population is estimated at only 9000-11000 animals, the species is " not threatened " on the Red List of IUCN. The species is a Kennart the northern Pacific coast and is considered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as particularly worthy of protection.