African Black Oystercatcher

Botanical Name: Haematopus moquini
Afrikaans name: Swarttobie

The African Black Oystercatcher is a marine bird that is endemic to South Africa and Namibia and slightly larger than European Oystercatcher.  They are large black birds with a striking orange/red bill, eyes and legs. It's call is a loud piping sound.  Normally there are some  present at the Kleinrivier Lagoon hide - but more often it is seen on rocky and sandy shores - less often coastal lagoons.

Photo Above: African Black Oystercatchers at Robberg Nature Reserve
Photo Credit: © Anton Odendal

Birding in the Overberg and Hermanus