The African Black Oystercatcher also known as African oystercatcher, is a large wader which is a resident breeder on the rocky coasts and islands of southern Africa. Listed as an endangered bird the black oystercatcher has a population of less than 5,000 adults. The African Black Oystercatcher is the largest of the Oystercatcher species. It is a large and noisy plover-like bird, with jet black plumage, pinkish/red legs and a strong broad dagger-like red bill which it uses for smashing or prying open molluscs such as mussels, or for finding earthworms. The eyes and eye rings are red. The Black Oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight with its impressive all-dark plumage. The sexes are similar in appearance, but juveniles are browner than adults. Females are larger and heavier with longer bills.