Essential Information on the American Oystercatcher
The American Oystercatcher is a notable resident of the Galápagos, easily recognizable by its long red beak, black-and-white plumage, and stout light pink legs. Females are generally larger than males and have slightly longer bills.
During your Galápagos cruise, you'll commonly spot these birds on the central, northern, and southern beaches of the islands. They can be seen from the boat or during beach excursions with a naturalist guide. You might also find them in dunes, salt marshes, or mud flats.
These birds feed on bivalves, mollusks, and crustaceans, using their strong, red beaks to pry open mollusk shells—a key reason they are named Oystercatchers.
In breeding season, you might witness their courtship rituals, where they walk together and make distinctive piping calls to attract each other. They are very territorial and protect their nests by camouflaging their eggs with pebbles or shell fragments to deter predators. On your cruise, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about these fascinating birds and capture photos of their striking red bills.
