BLACK OYSTEB-CATCHEE 499 



The Black Oyster-catcher is the representative species of its genus 

 along the coast of California, where it is found locally in limited num- 

 bers throughout the year. In the northern part of its general range, 

 that is, from the Aleutian Islands to British Columbia, this species 

 is said to be migratory, but within our borders it is quite certainly 

 resident. It differs from other shore birds which occur in California 

 throughout the year in restricting itself to rocky islets and island 

 shores along the outer seacoast. In consequence of this it is less 

 often met with than most of our other shore birds. 



Definite records of the Black Oyster-catcher in California have 

 been established as far north as Trinidad, Humboldt County (speci- 

 men in Mus. Vert. Zool.), and as far south as San Clemente Island 

 (Cooper, 1870&. pp. 79, 81), but it is likely to occur in all suitable 



IS0I6 



Fig. 80. Side of bill of Black Oyster-catcher. Natural size. 

 Note stout form and length over 2.50 inches (compare with figs. 64 and 75). 



locations along our coast. Present records indicate that it is most 

 abundant on the Santa Barbara group of islands. This species is 

 never found in large numbers in any one locality, each small islet 

 usually harboring but one or a few pairs, according to its size. This 

 limitation in numbers is probably due to the fact that the birds are 

 permanent residents of the territory they occupy and that their full 

 complement is strictly limited by the supply of food obtainable there 

 throughout the year. 



From our other shore birds the Black Oyster- catcher is easy to dis- 

 tinguish. Its large size (approaching that of the Hudsonian Curlew), 

 its long, straight, stout, red bill (fig. 80), dark-colored plumage 

 (appearing quite black but a short distance away), lack of any dis- 

 tinct white markings, and pale-colored legs, render recognition cer- 

 tain. From the more southern Frazar Oyster-catcher it may be easily 

 distinguished by the absence of white on its rump, wings and under 

 surface. 



The preferred habitat of the Black Oyster-catcher is a rocky shore, 

 but sometimes the birds forage on a sandy stretch of beach. Their gait 



