Sooty Oystercatcher

The Sooty Oystercatcher is a bold, heavy-set shorebird found exclusively along Australia’s rocky coastlines and offshore islands. Endemic to Australia, this striking all-black bird stands out against coastal rocks with its long, thick reddish bill and vivid bare parts. Two subspecies are recognised: the larger southern form found along southern coasts and Tasmania, and the smaller northern form, which has a yellowish to orange eye-ring and occurs along northern Australia’s coastline and offshore islands.