Threatened Species of the Month: Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris)

One of the most distinctive shorebirds in NSW

NSW Status: Endangered
Commonwealth Status: Not Listed

The Pied Oystercatcher is a species of oystercatcher found along the Australian coastline, though it is sparsely distributed. In NSW, it is endangered and faces multiple threats. Through conservation efforts, education, and awareness, we can work together to help this remarkable shorebird thrive. 

Can you recognise the call of the Pied Oystercatcher?

What do they look like?

The Pied Oystercatcher is an easily recognisable shorebird, characterised by its striking scarlet eye-ring, iris, and bill, paired with coral-pink legs. It has a bold black-and-white body and measures about 50 cm in length. Male and female Pied Oystercatchers look similar, though the female’s bill is slightly longer and more slender. In flight, they appear black from above with white underparts. Their black head, breast, and wings contrast with a white stomach, rump, and a tail that features a black tip. The wings display a narrow white stripe on the upper side and white underwing coverts.

Habitat and Distribution

Distribution of Pied Oystercatchers in NSW. Source: Saving Our Species, NSW Environment and Heritage

The Pied Oystercatcher is found along the entire Australian coastline but is sparsely distributed in NSW, with only about 200 breeding pairs. They prefer habitats such as bays, intertidal flats, open beaches, and sandbanks. Nests are shallow scrapes in the sand above the high tide mark, often surrounded by seaweed, shells, and small stones. Breeding occurs from August to January, with females laying 2–3 eggs. The female primarily incubates the eggs, and chicks leave the nest within a few days.

 

Diet

Pied Oystercatchers forage at low tide on exposed sand, rocks, and mudflats. Their diet mainly consists of bivalve molluscs, worms, crabs, small fish, crustaceans, and insects, with only limited consumption of shellfish. They use their chisel-shaped bill to hammer or pry open molluscs. Food is found by probing the mud with their long bill or foraging by sight.

FUN FACT!

The name "oystercatcher" is a misnomer for this species, as they rarely eat oysters! Oysters are typically found on rocky coastlines, whereas Pied Oystercatchers prefer bivalve molluscs found on sandy coastlines.

Under Threat

The Pied Oystercatcher is under threat in NSW, with fewer than 200 breeding pairs estimated to remain. Key threats include:

  • Predation – Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to foxes, dogs, and avian predators such as gulls and corvids.
  • Human disturbance – Nesting birds, eggs, and chicks are at risk from trampling, removal, and 4WD activity on beaches.
  • Habitat loss and degradation – Encroaching vegetation, agricultural contamination, oil spills, and other environmental impacts reduce suitable nesting areas.
  • Marine debris – Birds can become entangled in or ingest plastic and other waste.
  • Declining food sources – Overharvesting of key prey species, such as Pipis, affects their food supply.

What can you do?

A targeted strategy has been developed under the Saving Our Species program to protect the Pied Oystercatcher. Key actions include fox, feral cat, and Australian raven control programs, installing interpretive signs at major nesting sites, and establishing protection zones.

Individuals can help by:

  • Keeping pets on a lead in public spaces
  • Avoiding littering and picking up rubbish
  • Staying off sand dunes
  • Being responsible when driving on the beach
  • Limiting activity in areas with developing vegetation

Interested in the latest sustainability news and stories in the Port Macquarie Hastings region? Check out the Environment Matters newsletter to stay up to date. 

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