H4_W2_011

Date: 2017

Location: Galapagos Islands

Did you know?

PiruPiru or American OysterCatcher as the name suggests eats oysters. A boldly patterned shorebird with red-yellow eyes and a vivid red-orange bill, American Oystercatchers survive almost exclusively on shellfish, clams, oysters, and other saltwater molluscs. A distinctive bird with black and white plumage and a long, bright orange beak. The irises are yellow and the eyes have orange orbital rings. Oyster Catchers are habitat in coastal areas including American Oystercatchers are the only birds in their environment with the ability to open large molluscs such as clams and oysters.

About the picture

They are vigorous, and very loud, during courtship displays, territorial conflicts, and interactions with intruders. The female selects the nest site in vegetation on barrier beaches (usually within or behind dunes), shelly islands, dredge-spoil islands, or high marsh. The nest site usually features dune vegetation such as sea oats or beach grass and is less often among short bushes. Some pairs have been found nesting on gravel rooftops or rocky artificial islands

Fun Fact

The Oyster Catcher dive and propel themselves underwater using wings; after a short distance, they surface and swim away.