Black oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) feeding along a rocky shoreline. The black oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) is a conspicuous black bird found on the shoreline of western North America, ranging from Alaska to the Baja peninsula. It is restricted in its range, never straying far from shores, in particular favouring rocky shorelines. It feeds on marine invertebrates, particularly molluscs such as mussels, limpets and chitons. Photographed in the Bay area, California, USA.