The American Oystercatcher is very rare in Canada, though it may have bred as far north as Labrador at one time. It was first recorded breeding on Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, in 1997, and up to 4 pairs have nested there in subsequent years. The population in Canada remains small, but limited information precludes the assessment of this species’ population status relative to 1970.
All American Oystercatchers in Canada are expected to originate from the population along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. Although this population has expanded its range since about 1970 and is increasing in abundance in some areas, the population remains small, is declining in the core of its range, and continues to face significant threats from habitat loss due to coastal development (Clay et al. 2010). It appears that Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are key breeding and wintering areas. Main threats include cascading effects from coastal development: habitat loss, increased human disturbance associated with increased development, and increased predation pressure as a result of human activities (American Oystercatcher Working Group et al. 2012). Reduced food availability and climate change have also been cited as potential threats for the species (American Oystercatcher Working Group et al. 2012).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.
