American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 16 inches
* Large shorebird
* Bright orange, long, thick bill
* Head and breast black
* Dark gray back and wings
* White belly
* Large white patch on inner wing
* White uppertail coverts and dark tail
* Pink legs

Adult

* Yellow eye
* Orange orbital ring

Juvenile

* Eye dark and orbital ring not conspicuous
* Dark end of bill
* Upperparts faintly fringed with buff

Similar species:

The striking black and white plumage, large size, and bright orange bill make this bird quite unlike any other.