The Canary Islands oystercatcher, Canarian oystercatcher, or Canarian black oystercatcher is an extinct shorebird of uncertain taxonomy endemic to Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and their offshore islets in the Canary Islands in Spain. Its population declined sharply beginning in the 1800s due primarily to overharvesting by humans of their shared food sources in the intertidal zone. Since the 1940s, the Canary Islands oystercatcher has been considered to be extinct.
Region
Canary Islands
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and nearby islets such as Los Lobos and La Graciosa. It inhabited exposed volcanic and rocky shorelines, intertidal platforms, and adjacent sandy or shingle beaches. Birds foraged along wave-washed benches and tidepools where shellfish were abundant. Nesting occurred on open ground just above the high-tide line, often among pebbles or on low dunes. It avoided heavily disturbed harbors and urbanized beaches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 50 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This all-dark oystercatcher was confined to the eastern Canary Islands and is known from only a handful of specimens and observations. It declined rapidly in the 19th–20th centuries as humans overharvested intertidal shellfish and disturbed nesting sites. Last definite records were in the early 1900s, with unconfirmed reports into the 1940s, and it is now considered extinct. Its taxonomy was debated, but most authorities treat it as a distinct species.
Temperament
wary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats low over surf
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small groups on feeding grounds. Monogamous pairs defended small territories around nest scrapes on open beaches or shingle. Nests were simple shallow scrapes with minimal lining, and both sexes likely shared incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations were sharp, carrying whistles and piping ‘peep’ calls, especially during alarm or territorial encounters. Duetting and excited piping likely occurred during pair displays and when intruders approached.
