African black oystercatchers

This pair of African black oystercatchers seems to be hungry! Contrary to their name, they eat mainly mussels and limpets, as well as a varied diet of what is on offer in the shallows. As bird royalty their elaborate full names are: African black oystercatcher, swarttobie in Afrikaans and scientifically Haematopus moquini.

Living along the west and south coasts of South Africa, some visit the KwaZulu-Natal coast as nonbreeding migrants only. Migrancy is, however, uncommon. Most black oystercatchers stay put in fixed territories where all feeding, breeding and family life take place. Seen near the waterline, they wade around in search of food or studiously check out the birds on the beach. The lifespan of an African oystercatcher is about 35 years, of which they are known to pair up for 25 years. 

The black plumage contrasting against red, orange and purplish pink on the bare parts of both male and female adults make identification easy. The female is slightly larger with a slightly longer beak... whether it is more or differently used is unknown.

Living along the coast where people also like to live, work and spend leisure time, they have become threatened in nature. The adult birds are not as much at risk as their eggs or chicks. Population estimates range from less than 5000 to over 6000. People should take special care in respecting black oystercatcher space (Maclean, 1993; iNaturalist; Wikipedia).