African oystercatcher

Introduction: African black oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) were first named after the French collector and ornithologies Horace Moquin-Tandon (1804-1863). Observed on mainland and island sandy and rocky shores, they are often found in pairs or small groups. Roosting is usually performed at night, possibly from their fear of attack.

Distribution: Coastal Namibia including Kunene River estuary, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Luderitz.

Diet: Mussels, whelks, crustaceans,clams and oysters.

Description: Full looking shorebird with overall glossy black colour with dark silvery grey undersides of flight feathers.

Breeding: Both male and female use their feet to dig a simple scrape often using the same location for a number of years.

Size: 45cm.

Weight: 700g.

Wingspan: 88cm.