Jun 20, 2025: Adult American Oystercatchers have a black head and breast, white underparts, dark brown wings, a long orange-red bill, yellow eyes with red rings, and pale pink legs.

Adult American Oystercatchers have striking and easily recognizable plumage, combining bold contrast with vivid color:

  • Head and upper breast: Solid black, forming a sharply defined contrast with the rest of the body.
  • Back, wings, and tail: Dark brown to blackish-brown, sometimes appearing almost black in strong light.
  • Underparts: Bright white, from the lower breast through the belly and undertail coverts.
  • Bill: Long, thick, and vivid orange-red, a key field mark.
  • Eyes: Bright yellow with a prominent red orbital ring around them.
  • Legs and feet: Pale pink to flesh-colored.

This bold black-and-white coloration with a vibrant orange bill and yellow eyes gives the American Oystercatcher a dramatic appearance, especially against sandy beaches or rocky coastal areas where it’s often seen.