The Black Oystercatcher is a year-round resident of rocky coasts from Alaska to California. Winter surveys of Black Oystercatchers suggest a large increase in their abundance in Canada since about 1970. The species is exposed to a variety of threats at local levels, but much of the species’ range is along remote coasts and the population status appears secure. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
Although the population is currently healthy, Black Oystercatchers are vulnerable to chronic oil pollution (Andres 1994). On some nesting islands, introduced predators (especially Norway rats, as well as red and arctic foxes) reduce breeding success, while in other areas, human disturbance has led to reduced breeding densities (Andres and Falxa 1995).
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.