Illustration of oystercatcher
oystercatcher
noun
oys·ter·catch·er
ˈȯi-stər-ˌka-chər 
-ˌke-
: any of a family (Haematopodidae containing a single genus Haematopus) of wading birds that have stout legs, a heavy wedge-shaped bill, and often black-and-white plumage
Examples of oystercatcher in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The most vulnerable shorebirds on Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts, including in Volusia and Brevard, are the American oystercatchers, Black Skimmers, Least Terns, and Wilson’s and Snowy Plovers.
—
Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 July 2025
The initial national survey revealed oystercatchers were threatened by habitat loss, Schulte said.
—Molly Duerig, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025
But once there, trails connect the bayside to the ocean, and hiking them is a good way to spot one of the island’s rarer bird species, like the American oystercatcher or the Least terns.
—Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 3 June 2025
While monarch butterflies this past winter doubled in Mexico over the previous year, the oystercatcher, a shorebird, has been recovering over a 15-year period because of focused efforts.
—Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 6 May 2025
Most of the attacks have been carried out by American oystercatchers.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2024
From the comfort of the parking lot, guests can spot whimbrels, black-necked stilts and American oystercatchers, while the occasional black skimmer—a striking seabird that uses its lengthy lower bill to skim the water for prey—can be spotted as well.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
After learning about the conflict, the city’s drone operators agreed to launch the unmanned aircraft farther from American oystercatcher nests.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2024
Several species, including black skimmers, least terns, roseate terns and American oystercatchers, have taken to nesting on the plentiful gravel rooftops of buildings near the waterfront.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2024
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Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 July 2025
The initial national survey revealed oystercatchers were threatened by habitat loss, Schulte said.
—Molly Duerig, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025
But once there, trails connect the bayside to the ocean, and hiking them is a good way to spot one of the island’s rarer bird species, like the American oystercatcher or the Least terns.
—Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 3 June 2025
While monarch butterflies this past winter doubled in Mexico over the previous year, the oystercatcher, a shorebird, has been recovering over a 15-year period because of focused efforts.
—Troy Aidan Sambajon, Christian Science Monitor, 6 May 2025
Most of the attacks have been carried out by American oystercatchers.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2024
From the comfort of the parking lot, guests can spot whimbrels, black-necked stilts and American oystercatchers, while the occasional black skimmer—a striking seabird that uses its lengthy lower bill to skim the water for prey—can be spotted as well.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
After learning about the conflict, the city’s drone operators agreed to launch the unmanned aircraft farther from American oystercatcher nests.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2024
Several species, including black skimmers, least terns, roseate terns and American oystercatchers, have taken to nesting on the plentiful gravel rooftops of buildings near the waterfront.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Oystercatcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oystercatcher. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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