Black Oystercatchers inhabit rocky coastlines and gravel or sand beaches. They require sites with minimal human disturbance, few ground predators, and sufficient intertidal invertebrate prey.
Limiting factors
Black Oystercatchers nest in small numbers in Oregon. Availability of suitable habitat that remains relatively disturbance-free during the nesting period may be a primary limiting factor. Successful nesting in Oregon may be restricted to islands, where ground predators, egg depredation, and disturbance are limited or absent. This coastal-dependent species is also highly susceptible to oil spills.
Data gaps
Assess breeding/wintering population size. Model likely impacts of climate change (e.g., sea-level rise) on habitat suitability. Improve understanding of population dynamics at local (Oregon) and regional scales.
Conservation actions
Limit human disturbance in nesting and foraging areas. Take precautions to protect against oil spills.
