Photos of the rare African black oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) on the rock of Dyer Island/South Africa.

The African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) is the only species of Oystercatchers that breeds in Africa.
African Black Oystercatchers are found on the sandy or rocky shores along the coast and between the islands off Namibia and the eastern cape. In all probability you can find these birds in the following places: De Hoop nature Reserve, Koppie Alleen, Arniston and Walkers Bay. The name “Oystercatcher” is misleading: the birds – they are extremely sensitive against disturbances of all kinds – mainly feed on mussels, snails, cancers, crustaceans and different worms. If at all, oysters are rarely included. The
birds are almost always found in pairs or small groups. They breed between March and September.
The rare and endemic coastal bird in South Africa is acutely threatened by extinction. Although 75 percent of the world population of the Black Oystercatcher lives in South Africa and on the coast of Namibia, less than 500 breeding pairs were counted in 2001. The species is on the red list, and immediate protective measures are urgently required.

African black Oystercatcher

African black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) and Bank cormorant

African black Oystercatcher and Bank cormorant

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