American Oystercatcher
The American Oystercatcher is an eye-catching shorebird, instantly recognizable by its bold black-and-white plumage, bright orange bill, and yellow eyes. Its long, powerful bill is perfectly adapted for prying open bivalves like oysters, clams, and mussels, which make up a large portion of its diet. This specialized feeding behavior makes the American Oystercatcher an important part of coastal ecosystems, as it helps regulate shellfish populations and maintain balance in intertidal habitats. Conservation work for Oystercatchers has benefited other beach-nesting species, including Piping Plover, Least Tern, Wilson’s Plover, and Black Skimmer.
Their Story
The story of the American Oystercatcher is a true display of how science and conservation work can make a difference. This incredible bird, once nearing extinction, saw a 43% increase in population over the past few decades. This increase was entirely due to the tireless work of scientists and conservation organizations -including Manomet – who began investing their research into protecting this species. It’s an incredible accomplishment and an inspiring story, for what started as a seemingly impossible task.
In the early 2000s, these bold, coastal birds were slipping toward the endangered species list. Development and rising seas threatened coastal nesting habitats, oyster reefs were disappearing, and populations dropped to just 10,000 individuals! That’s when conservationists across 16 states launched an all-out recovery mission. Today, the oystercatcher population has grown by 43%. From Maine to Texas, partners have: Protected nests from predators, built artificial islands & oyster reefs, and engaged communities to give these birds space to thrive. It’s one of the biggest success stories in shorebird conservation proving what’s possible when science, strategy, and collaboration come together. Want more conservation wins like this? You can help make it happen.
Read more about their impressive recovery in the Summer 2025 Audubon Article
More to Explore
American Oystercatcher Coloring Page Bring the wild world of shorebirds to life with our fun coloring pages!
Meet the Rest of our Flagship Shorebirds
Our NO BOUNDARIES Initiative
There are No Boundaries in what we can accomplish together to recover these birds. Protecting shorebirds means safeguarding not only their future but also the health of our planet’s ecosystems. Through this shorebird campaign, we’re rallying support to ensure these remarkable birds continue to inspire wonder for generations to come. Join us in making a difference—because healthy shorebirds mean a healthy planet. READ MORE >>
Manomet Conservation Sciences has committed to raising $4 million to help reverse the decline of these important shorebird species.
