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
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
Wilson's phalaropes, American oystercatchers and wood storks.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
American oystercatchers face several threats to their survival.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2024
After the city’s Emergency Management Department flagged the coastal conflict last month, drone operators, largely drawn from the police and fire department, agreed to fly the devices further from oystercatcher nesting areas.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 12 July 2024
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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
Wilson's phalaropes, American oystercatchers and wood storks.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024
American oystercatchers face several threats to their survival.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 July 2024
After the city’s Emergency Management Department flagged the coastal conflict last month, drone operators, largely drawn from the police and fire department, agreed to fly the devices further from oystercatcher nesting areas.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 12 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Oystercatcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oystercatcher. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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