GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani)

Species Code: HABA

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This is common on rocky shorelines along the entire outer coast, throughout the San Juan Islands, and along the inner coast from Whidbey Island north to Blaine. They are absent as breeders in the sounds and straits south of Whidbey Island. South of Copalis Beach on the outer coast, they become very local, and are restricted to small areas of rocky shoreline. In Pacific County, they have nested on rocks at North Head near Ilwaco. They are absent from the Strait of Juan de Fuca between the mouth of the Elwha River and Protection Island.

Good habitat in the core areas of use included all coastal nonforested areas and rocky areas in the Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, Woodland/Prairie Mosaic, and Puget Sound Douglas-fir zone. Sandy beaches were not included.

This species was formerly known as American Black Oystercatcher but the name was shortened in 1985. Black Oystercatchers are conspicuous along rocky areas of the outer coast. They have been found on most island and islets along the outer coast. A break in their distribution roughly between the Elwha River and Protection Island is probably due to the increase of sandy sediments along coastlines in this region, such as those that form Ediz Hook and Dungeness Spit. East of Protection Island, rocky shorelines again predominate north to Blaine, providing breeding areas for Black Oystercatchers. Birds found breeding on outer-coast islands and rocks nested about one week later than birds nesting along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan Islands.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester