Pied Oystercatcher
Haematopus leucopodus
Local Name: Magellanic Oystercatcher
Breeding Range: Falklands, Chile
& Argentina
Length: 42cm.
Falklands Population: ~10,000 breeding pairs
World Population: unknown
The Pied Oystercatcher is a very common
bird along sandy, muddy and rocky shores throughout the Falklands.
It is usually seen searching through estuarine deposits and rockpools
for a wide range of marine invertebrates, such as worms, crabs,
isopods and shell fish.
Breeding begins with the preparation of
a simple hollow in open ground above the high water line. Two eggs
are laid around October, which hatch 3 to 4 weeks later. Chicks
are kept under constant guard by the adults, who are very aggressive
towards anything entering their territory. Far from trying to hide
when approached, adults guarding eggs or young will scurry alongside
approaching humans issuing a harsh piping call. Smaller animals,
such as birds of prey, are often attacked by adults using their
long pointed bill as a weapon.
Sexes are similar.
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Pied Oystercatcher
Haematopus
leucopodus
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Adopt and name your penguin,
and we will send you reports and photos of your penguin's progress. We
will even send you a map to show you exactly where your penguin lives,
in case you ever want to visit. (Visitors are welcome).
Learn
More
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The Falklands Regime by Mike Bingham
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