Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Haematopus fuliginosus
Profile last updated:
04 May 2023
Description
The Sooty Oystercatcher is an unmistakable, large wader, reaching 50 cm in length. Like the Pied Oystercatcher, the Sooty Oystercatcher has a bright orange-red bill, eye-ring and iris, and coral pink legs and feet. However, the Sooty Oystercatcher has entirely black plumage. Sexes are separable when together, with the female having a longer, more slender bill. The call is similar to the Pied Oystercatcher's, although sharper and more piercing. Gives a loud whistling call before taking flight, and a piercing call if an intruder approaches the nest.
Distribution
Sooty Oystercatchers are found around the entire Australian coast, including offshore islands, being most common in Bass Strait. Small numbers of the species are evenly distributed along the NSW coast. The availability of suitable nesting sites may limit populations.
Habitat and ecology
- Favours rocky headlands, rocky shelves, exposed reefs with rock pools, beaches and muddy estuaries.
- Forages on exposed rock or coral at low tide for foods such as limpets and mussels.
- Breeds in spring and summer, almost exclusively on offshore islands, and occasionally on isolated promontories. The nest is a shallow scrape on the ground, or small mounds of pebbles, shells or seaweed when nesting among rocks.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Disturbance to coastal feeding, nesting and roosting areas through beach-combing, fishing, dog-walking, horse-riding and 4WD vehicles.
- Predation of eggs and chicks by foxes, dogs, cats, rats and raptors.
- Habitat destruction as a result of residential, agricultural and tourism developments.
- Hydrological changes to estuaries and similar water bodies causing modification or removal of important areas of suitable habitat.
- Disturbance from boats landing on islands during the incubation period from October to November, lifting adults off nests and allowing predatory birds such as silver gulls and ravens to take eggs.
- Insufficient understanding of causes of nesting loss such as rat incursions onto islands increasing predation threat on eggs, disturbance from boats and storm surges.
- Insufficient understanding of trends of abundance and breeding success.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Undertake fox, feral cat and rat control programs.
- Assess the appropriateness of dog and cat ownership in new subdivisions.
- Manage estuaries and the surrounding landscape to ensure the natural hydrological regimes are maintained.
- Install interpretive signs at major nesting sites.
- Protect and maintain known or potential habitat, including the implementation of protection zones around known habitat and breeding sites and sites of recent records.
Information sources
- Hayman, P., Marchant, J. and Prater, T. (1986) Shorebirds. Helm Identification Guides. (Christopher Helm, London)
- Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (1993) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. (Oxford University Press, Melbourne)
- Pringle, J.D. (1987) The Shorebirds of Australia. (Angus and Robertson, Sydney)
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