Texas wildlife
American oystercatcher
Haematopus palliatus
Distinctive black-and-white shorebird with long orange bill, feeds on bivalves
See the American oystercatcher up close
Best months
Mar · Apr · May
Best at low tide on shell beaches; check local tide charts and eBird for recent sightings.
Where to look
Texas Gulf coast shell beach at dawnMustang Island State ParkPadre Island National Seashore
Conservation status
Fairly common along Texas Gulf coast, breeds locally
Good to know
What do American oystercatchers eat on the Texas coast?
They primarily eat oysters, mussels, clams, and other mollusks, using their strong bills to pry or hammer shells open.
When is the best time to see oystercatchers feeding in Texas?
Spring (March-May) at low tide on shell beaches, early morning or late afternoon, offers the best viewing.
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