The Magellanic oystercatcher is a species of wader in the family Haematopodidae. It is found in Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands in freshwater lake and sandy shore habitats.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs along the coasts of southern Chile and Argentina, including Tierra del Fuego, and on the Falkland Islands. It frequents sandy and shingle beaches, rocky shores, tidal flats, and estuaries. In parts of its range it also uses inland freshwater lake margins and coastal lagoons, especially for breeding. Outside the breeding season it gathers on open shores and intertidal zones with rich invertebrate prey.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Magellanic oystercatcher is a striking black-and-white shorebird with a bright orange-red bill specialized for prying open bivalves and probing for invertebrates. It is mostly resident in southern South America and the Falkland Islands, with some birds moving north along the coast in winter. In flight it shows a bold white wingbar and rump that make it easy to identify. Pairs are strongly territorial on breeding beaches and often return to the same site each year.
Temperament
wary and strongly territorial during breeding
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats; conspicuous white wingbar in flight
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs that defend nesting territories on open beaches or shingle. Nests are shallow scrapes above the high-tide line, usually with 2–3 eggs. Outside breeding, birds may roost communally and forage in loose groups on productive shores.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are loud, clear piping notes and sharp ‘kleep’ alarms, especially when intruders approach the nest. Display flights include rapid, excited piping sequences. Contact calls are shorter and repeated while foraging.
