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Tropical North Queensland
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Birds Database .. detailed information
Sooty Oystercatcher
Haematopus fuliginosus
Eurasian Oystercatcher

Photo Courtesy of Birdway Australia
 
Bird Family :"Oystercatchers"
 Haematopodidae
Description :Uncommon local species. Length 50cm. Eats fish, bivalve molluscs, worms and crustaceans. Uses it's long bill to cut the adductor muscles of shellfish and to prise limpets from rocks.
Typical Habitat :Prefers rocky coastline and sometimes estuaries.
Distribution :Moderately common around Australia's coast. Endemic, only recorded in Australia.
Migration :Resident / unknown if it breeds locally. Main breeding season, June to January, variable.
Introduced :No
Seen North Qld :  Yes
NCA :Rare

      Additional info ..locations seen (7)  ..   observations (9)  ..    
      NCA  = Nature Conservation Act (Queensland) 

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